CPI (Maoist) offers temporary ceasefire ahead of PM Modi’s 75th birthday

The Maoists have requested a month's time to consult their jailed leaders and cadres across the country before forming a team for formal peace talks.

In a major development ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the CPI(Maoist) has offered a temporary ceasefire, hinting at a likely breakthrough in the Centre’s efforts to end Naxalism by 2026.

The statement, issued by top Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias 'Abhay', is dated August 15 and has been released to local journalists in Chhattisgarh.

“We have decided to unconditionally lay down arms,” the CPI(Maoist) writes in the letter, adding that the move was in response to “appeals made by the prime minister, home minister, and senior police officers.”

The statement also referred to changing national and international circumstances as influencing their decision.

“We have decided to declare a temporary ceasefire, but we will continue to raise issues of public importance and engage with political parties and organisations,” it noted. It mentioned the group’s intention to continue advocacy through political and civil channels even while suspending armed activities.

The press note included Abhay’s latest photograph, which sources said was meant to establish authenticity and build confidence with authorities, should video calls be used to hold discussions.

“We are also willing to engage with government representatives via video call,” the statement added.

The Maoists have requested a month's time to consult their jailed leaders and cadres across the country before forming a team for formal peace talks.

“While the leaders and cadres currently in touch were agreeable on talks, it is only after larger consultations with its countrywide formations that we will form a group to hold peace talks,” Abhay stated.

The statement further appealed to supporters among Dalits, tribals, women, religious minorities, writers, and artists to understand the circumstances behind the ceasefire. The group also shared email and Facebook IDs — nampet(2025)@gmail.com and nampetalk — for supporters to share their views once the government accepts the offer. “We can access these emails after the govt accepts our offer and extends its cooperation,” Abhay said.

Government authorities are, however, reacting cautiously to this development

IG Bastar P. Sundarraj, cited by News18, remarked, “We have taken note of a press release issued in the name of the CPI(Maoist) central committee regarding the laying down of arms and the prospect of peace talks. The authenticity of this release is being verified, and its contents are under careful examination"

"Any decision on engagement or dialogue with the CPI(Maoist) lies solely with the government, which will take an appropriate call after due consideration and assessment of the situation and circumstances," he further added.

A senior intelligence officer, as cited by News18, noted, “Prima facie, the letter appears authentic. Naxals are under pressure. Earlier this year, conditional surrender was mentioned by central committee members, but this is the first time unconditional laying down of arms has been mentioned. Also, the reference to the PM and HM’s appeal is new.”

According to sources, the delayed release of the statement was due to operational difficulties, including constant patrolling and the presence of forward bases of paramilitary forces, which restricted the movement of Maoist cadres.

The CPI(Maoist) also mentioned the previous attempts at negotiation in its statement.

“On May 10, 2025, we proposed laying down arms and a ceasefire and sought a month's time to hold consultations among our top leadership. However, the Central government, rather than responding, stepped up its counter-operations, which saw the elimination of CPI(Maoist) general secretary Basavaraju and 28 others,” the spokesperson said.

The Maoists' statement concluded by reaffirming the Maoists’ willingness to engage with authorities and their intention to continue advocating for public issues, “We have decided to declare a temporary ceasefire, but we will continue to raise issues of public importance and engage with political parties and organisations,” Abhay noted.