Maoists Call for Ceasefire and Peace Talks: A Turning Tide?

The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has issued a statement announcing a temporary suspension of its armed struggle to facilitate peace talks. They have requested a one-month ceasefire from the government to halt security operations and initiate the process.

The Chhattisgarh government is currently verifying the authenticity of the statement, which emerged on social media. The Maoists urge the government to respond via the internet and official news channels. The statement was issued by Abhay, a spokesperson for the central committee, and followed the killing of the group's general secretary, Nambala Keshav Rao.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma emphasized that the call for a 'ceasefire' is inappropriate, as the situation does not resemble a war. He stated that talks in a democracy should not be conditional, but confirmed that discussions would ensue once the statement's authenticity is verified. The Maoists have expressed willingness for talks with the central government to discuss laying down arms.

(With inputs from agencies.)