The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has declared a temporary pause in its armed conflict to pave the way for peace negotiations, but simultaneously insisted that the government officially suspend security operations for one month. The Maoists, in a purported statement released on social media on Tuesday, also urged the government to disseminate its decision on the matter through government-controlled news channels, including the internet and radio.
The Maoist organization has proposed peace talks with the government. Despite this offer, the government has intensified arrests and actions, leading to the detention of thousands of activists. Crackdowns on leaders of the movement are ongoing.
In May 2025, 28 high-ranking Maoists, including the general secretary, were apprehended. This two-page statement, issued on August 15 by Abhay, the spokesperson for the Maoist Central Committee, comes roughly four months after the death of Nambala Keshav Rao, also known as Basavaraju, the banned CPI (Maoist) General Secretary, in an encounter with security forces in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on May 21.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that the authenticity of the statement is under verification. He believes the most viable path for the Maoists is to surrender and avail themselves of rehabilitation benefits. Sharma, who also manages the Home Department, considered the term ‘ceasefire’ highly inappropriate because there is no war-like situation necessitating it. He clarified that in a democracy, negotiations cannot be conditional, yet the Maoists have again established preconditions.
He added that discussions within the government will follow the confirmation of the statement. The Maoists stated in the statement that they had previously proposed a ceasefire to the government and requested a month to consult with their leadership. However, they lamented that the central government did not respond favorably, instead escalating its operations.
The Maoists’ statement further stated that, “To advance the peace talks initiated by our esteemed General Secretary (Basavaraju, killed in the encounter), we clarify that, considering the changing global and national circumstances, and the repeated appeals by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and senior police officials to lay down arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to lay down arms. We have resolved to temporarily halt the armed struggle.”
The statement also indicated a willingness to exchange ideas with the government via video calls. “We reiterate that the government should advance the peace talks by formally declaring a ceasefire for one month and halting search operations,” the statement said, also mentioning that its release was delayed for several reasons.
Bastar region Inspector General of Police, Sundarraj P, responded to the statement by noting that the police have acknowledged a press release from the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee concerning the possibility of laying down arms and peace talks. He mentioned that the authenticity of the release is being verified and its content is being thoroughly investigated. He added that any decisions on talks or contact with the CPI (Maoist) will be made by the government after proper consideration of the situation and circumstances.