Activists call for ceasefire in Naxal areas after Maoists make conditional offer for peace talks

54 organizations and citizens urge ceasefire between Maoists and government for peace talks in conflict-ridden regions.

Following the recent offer by Maoists for conditional peace talks with the government, a group of 54 organisations and concerned citizens from across the country on Friday (April 4, 2025) appealed to both sides to announce a ceasefire and stop the use of violence. 

“We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, welcome the [Communist Party of India] CPI (Maoist) offer of peace talks and the Government of Chhattisgarh’s response keeping the door for talks open. However, the government needs to demonstrate its intent by stopping the war on the ground Immediately. We further call upon both parties to keep the best interests of the Adivasis and other villagers in mind, and to engage in peace talks keeping in mind the constitutional, democratic and human rights of citizens within the broader framework of the Constitution of India,” said a joint statement, issued on Friday (April 4, 2025).

This comes at a time when the number of operations against Maoists is on the rise, particularly in Chhattisgarh, with over 300 alleged Maoists killed in the past year. On March 28, the banned CPI (Maoist) had reportedly said that it was ready for peace talks on the condition that the government halted its anti-Maoist operations in the region and stopped the establishment of new camps of armed forces. As the letter surfaced on Wednesday, the Chhattisgarh government said that it was ready for talks but would not accept any pre-conditions. 

The statement from the activists notes that the tribal-dominated districts of Bastar division in Chhattisgarh, West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra are currently at the epicentre of this conflict, emphasising that the lives and well-being of the residents must be prioritised in any talks.

“We appeal to both sides to accept and announce a ceasefire to stop the use of violence in any form with immediate effect. There should be no more hostilities from either side whether in the form of operations, extra judicial killings and encounters, IED blasts and killing of civilians or any sort of violence,” the statement read.

While it said the government was obligated to be the first to observe, respect and function based on constitutional principles and values, it also added that Maoists should cease hostilities against State forces and stop the use of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, which endanger ordinary villagers, including children, and cattle. They should also put an end to the death sentences handed out in jan adalats or kangaroo courts held in interior areas, the statement added.

“We firmly believe that peace talks and a ceasefire are only the first step towards the restoration of democratic rights in Bastar. They should be followed by a sustained process towards permanent demilitarisation (including dismantling of all security camps), release of all concerned prisoners, reparations for all human rights violations, implementation of protective laws such as PESA and FRA, a moratorium on new mines, respect for the right to protest, and other conditions of free and democratic life,” the statement said.