In a significant development, the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has announced a temporary suspension of its armed struggle, coinciding with PM Modi’s birthday. The organization acknowledged its shortcomings, including strategic errors and failures, and expressed its willingness to engage in peace talks with the central and state governments.
The statement, appearing in an alleged document from August, is purportedly from a Maoist Politburo member (PBM). Police are currently investigating the authenticity of the document.
A statement attributed to CPI (Maoist) spokesperson Abhay was widely shared on social media, outlining the organization’s decision to temporarily halt its armed conflict and its openness to peace negotiations. A detailed six-page statement, released in the name of senior leader Sonu, admitted that the group had been unable to adapt to the changing conditions in India, resulting in significant losses in its strongholds. The statement highlighted how incorrect policies and the inability to rectify their direction had weakened the revolutionary movement across the country, despite considerable sacrifices.
The statement included an apology, taking responsibility for the hardships endured and the pain caused by their policies, and seeking forgiveness from the public. It also asserted that regenerating the revolutionary movement was impossible without halting the armed struggle and learning from their errors.
The senior leader acknowledged the weakening of the movement in various regions, including Dandakaranya, Bihar-Jharkhand, and Odisha, due to the actions of security forces. The statement indicated that they had failed to identify weaknesses in their strongholds in time. The sacrifices of their workers were insufficient to overcome their shortcomings, which pushed the movement backward.
The Maoists stated that the pause was necessary for the purpose of reorganization. The document emphasized that the move was not a surrender, but a necessary pause for the movement to refocus. They argued that the correct direction could only be achieved by building people’s power and uniting democratic forces. The statement directly appealed to the government, expressing their readiness for peace talks and requesting a ceasefire to allow for the transformation of forested areas. The organization also appealed to intellectuals, rights activists, writers, and artists to support their efforts.
The party requested its state and regional committees, as well as imprisoned members, to offer suggestions during the ceasefire. Contact information, including an email address and social media handles, was shared.
Chhattisgarh police officials have confirmed that they are examining the press note and investigating its authenticity. A senior officer noted that any decision regarding talks rests with the government, with the statement currently under review.
The Maoist movement, which once spanned 150 districts across 16 states, has been significantly weakened in the last decade. This decline is a result of ongoing campaigns, development initiatives, and the surrender or deaths of senior leaders. The neutralization of central committee members, such as Modem Balakrishna and Sujata, has also played a role in the weakening of the organization.
