In a significant development in the long-standing conflict between the Indian government and the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), members of the Maoist group from three key states—Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh—have formally requested both the central and respective state governments for a temporary suspension of their armed struggle. Through an official letter dated November 22 and made public on November 24, the Maoists conveyed their appeal to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, urging them to halt combing operations in their states. This pause is sought to facilitate what the Maoists termed an “eventless surrender” and to create conducive conditions for dialogue and rehabilitation.
The letter, signed by Anant, spokesperson of the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) special zonal committee, is believed to have the endorsement of the Central Committee of the Maoist party. Anant’s message references a recent decision by the party’s Central Committee and the Politburo member Comrade Sonu to temporarily suspend armed activities in light of evolving circumstances both nationally and globally. This marks a notable shift in the Maoist strategy, as the group has long been engaged in violent insurgency against the state, primarily operating in forested and tribal regions across several states.
This appeal builds on an earlier communication from September by Mallojula Venugopal Rao, popularly known as Sonu, a prominent Politburo member. Sonu had argued for halting the armed struggle to “save the party,” reflecting a strategic reassessment amid changing political and security dynamics. Notably, Sonu himself surrendered to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in October, signaling a personal commitment to this new approach. Sonu’s surrender was soon followed by a wave of surrenders from Maoist cadres across Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, indicating that the call for peace might be gaining traction among the rank and file.
Anant’s letter highlights the surrender of another key Maoist leader, Pulluri Prasad Rao, a Central Committee member, in Telangana, emphasizing that the MMC too desires to renounce arms and participate in the government’s rehabilitation program. However, the group has requested a specific timeframe—until February 15, 2026—to complete consultations and reach a collective decision. This request stems from the Maoist commitment to “democratic centralism,” a principle that requires extensive internal discussion and consensus before final decisions are made. Hence, the Maoists seek a temporary cessation of hostilities to enable this process.
Importantly, this requested deadline aligns with a government-set timeframe to end Maoist insurgency. India's Home Minister Amit Shah has set a national goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026. By asking for a pause until mid-February, the Maoists appear to be engaging constructively with the government’s timelines. The letter urges the three state governments to exercise restraint and suspend security operations against Maoist cadres during this period to foster an atmosphere conducive to peace and dialogue.
As a gesture of good faith, the Maoists have pledged not to celebrate the formation week of their armed wing, the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army, scheduled for December 2. This abstention from their traditional commemorations is intended to signal sincerity in their peace overtures. The letter underscores that such mutual efforts are essential for creating a better environment for communication and negotiation, stressing that there is no hidden agenda behind the request for an extended timeframe.
Further, the Maoists have requested that their decision to suspend armed struggle be broadcast over All India Radio. Anant emphasized that radio remains their primary communication channel for receiving news about the country and the world, as they lack other means of contact. Broadcasting this message would ensure that Maoist cadres across various regions are informed about the ceasefire and the ongoing peace initiative.
This correspondence follows a similar letter from the Maoist Central Committee in September, which had also sought government permission for surrender and cessation of hostilities but without specifying a deadline. Intelligence officials from Telangana have noted that the latest letter is a more concrete step, setting a clear timeline for the proposed cessation of violence and surrender.
The Maoist insurgency, also known as Naxalism, has been one of India’s most persistent internal security challenges for decades. The group’s armed