In a recent development, the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has made a surprising offer. In a statement dated 15th August 2025, the Maoists, through their central committee spokesperson Abhay, say they are ready to give up arms. They want the Central government to announce a one-month ceasefire and to pause all current anti-Naxal operations.

They describe this move as a unilateral and “temporary suspension of armed struggle”. The Maoists also say they are ready for peace talks with the committee appointed by the Central government. This comes about four months after the death of their leader, Nambala Keshav Rao, also known as Basavaraju, who was general secretary of the CPI (Maoist).

In their letter, the Maoists demand that their leaders be allowed to join the talks. They ‘warned’ that ongoing police pressure and further encounters during this period will harm any chance of dialogue. They include a working email address, asking the government to respond through that channel.

They say their decision to shift from violent struggle to seeking dialogue is due to “changed global and national circumstances” as well as persistent requests from India’s top leaders. They mention Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Home Minister, and senior police officers who have urged them to give up weapons and join the mainstream.

“To take forward the process of peace talks that was started on the initiative of the party’s general secretary (late Basavaraju), we are making it clear that in view of the changed global and national circumstances, as well as the continuous requests being made by the country’s Prime Minister, Home Minister and senior police officers to give up arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to shun arms,” the statement reads.

They go on to state: “We have decided to declare a temporary halt to the armed struggle. We are making it clear that in the future, we will fight shoulder to shoulder with all political parties and organisations fighting for the public cause as far as possible,” meaning they are willing to cooperate with any political group working for public welfare if they accept their overture.

They also ask for specific guarantees: the release of political prisoners, safe movement (safe passage) for their cadres, and assurances that any talks will be honest and meaningful. They admit they need one month to consult with members both jailed and underground in different states.

“We are ready to talk to the Union Home Minister or persons appointed by him or a delegation on this issue. But we will have to inform the party about our changed opinion. Therefore, our request to the Central Government is to give us one month to consult with our comrades working in different states across the country and those imprisoned,” the Maoists say.

They also propose remote ways of discussion: “We are also ready to exchange views with the government on this subject, primarily through video call. Therefore, we are making it clear once again that (the government should) immediately declare a formal ceasefire for a month, stop search operations and take forward the peace process,” they add.

On the side of the authorities, Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said they are verifying whether the Maoist statement is authentic. He also said that Maoists should surrender and claim rehabilitation-benefits. Sharma objected to the term ‘ceasefire’, arguing that in India’s democracy there is no war situation, so they can’t treat it like a war. Still, he said once the statement’s truth is established, the government will hold internal discussions.

Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P in the Bastar range also said the statement’s authenticity is being checked. He emphasized that any talk or dialogue with the Maoists will be a government decision. He said: “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. It is reiterated that 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,” Sundarraj said.

Looking at timing and content, many see this Maoist statement as a sign of desperation in light of pressure from security forces. But the statement also raises doubts and concerns.

First, many argue there is no real way for a ceasefire. The Maoists are widely seen as terrorists fighting the State. To demand a ceasefire is almost abusive of the law and order system, they say.

Second, the tone of the Maoist letter suggests they believe they still hold power, claiming they are acting because the Prime Minister somehow “requested them”. That contrasts sharply with what many on the ground see: the Maoists are on the back foot.

Third, their claim that “temporarily” suspending armed struggle is due to new national or global conditions is viewed by critics as a weak excuse. In fact, many believe what forced them to consider dialogue is the success of heavy anti-left wing terrorism operations by security forces under the current government, despite opposition from some think-tanks, activists, and political sympathisers.

Letters like these, some say, are typical death-bed gestures by terror outfits: they want relief from the crackdown and want to appear powerful. But if the Maoists truly wished peace, true abandonment of their anti-national ideology, they would surrender, cooperate with authorities, and accept rehabilitation programs provided by central and state governments.

For many years, the Modi government says it has kept the doors open for such surrender and reintegration, even as security forces carry out operations against Maoists who refuse to disarm.

What remains unclear is whether the Central Committee of Maoists are using this statement to buy time, regain strength, or whether they are facing the realization that their end may be near.

Finally, this comes against a backdrop of strong rhetoric and action by government leaders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly said that by 31st March 2026, Maoism, Naxalism, and all left-wing terrorism in India will be wiped out.

To underscore this push, recent operations have led to the neutralisation of several high-reward terrorists. For example, in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, 3 Naxalites, carrying a combined bounty of Rs 1.35 crore, were neutralised. Among them: Sahdev Soren alias Parvesh (₹1 crore bounty), Raghunath Hembram (₹25 lakh), and Birsen Ganjhu alias Ramkhelavan (₹10 lakh).

Also, on 7 September in Chaibasa, a prominent leader called Aaptan was killed during a gunfight. In Chhattisgarh’s Gariyaband district, security forces eliminated 10 Naxal terrorists, including senior leader Modem Balkrishna alias Manoj, who himself had a bounty of ₹1 crore.

All of this is part of Operation Kagar, launched by the Modi government in January 2024. It combines aggressive military operations, cooperation between Central and State forces, and efforts to improve conditions in Naxal-affected areas. Under it, about 1 lakh paramilitary troops (including CRPF, its CoBRA units, District Reserve Guards (DRG), and State Police) have been deployed. They are using modern tools such as drones, AI-based intelligence, and satellite imagery to track and fight Maoist insurgency.

In terms of affected areas, numbers have dropped sharply. In 2015, about 106 districts across 10 states were classed as Naxal-affected. That fell to 38 districts by 2024, and further down to 18 districts more recently. Of these, 12 were considered most impacted, but now only 6 are in that highest category.