Members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), active in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, have formally requested the Union government and the three state governments for an extension until February 15, 2026, to “temporarily suspend arms struggle” and consider surrendering.
The request was made in a detailed letter from Anant, spokesperson for the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zonal Committee, released on November 22 and publicized on November 24 by the Indian Express.
The letter, addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, calls for an immediate halt to combing and anti-Maoist operations to facilitate what Anant describes as an “eventless surrender.”
Anant expressed support for a “recent decision” by the party’s Central Committee and Politburo member Comrade Sonu to temporarily lay down arms, stating, “We support the recent decision taken by our party Central Committee and Politburo member Comrade Sonu to temporarily suspend the armed struggle by renouncing arms in view of changing circumstances in the country and the world.”
The reference pertains to a letter by Mallojula Venugopal Rao, commonly known as Sonu, who suggested stopping the armed struggle to “save the party.” Sonu’s surrender to Maharashtra’s CM Fadnavis in October sparked a series of surrenders among Maoist cadres across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
This trend occurs amidst heightened state pressure, following the killing of senior Naxal commander Madvi Hidma in Andhra Pradesh. Anant’s letter also highlights the recent surrender of Central Committee member Pulluri Prasad Rao in Telangana, emphasizing the MMC’s desire to pursue the same route.
The MMC stated its intent to renounce arms and accept the government’s rehabilitation program but requested time to consult their comrades and reach a collective decision by the stated deadline. The letter invokes the principle of democratic centralism, which mandates that all units must discuss significant decisions collectively.
“It will take some time to reach this decision collectively. We need time to consult our comrades and convey this message to them,” wrote Anant.
Notably, the requested date aligns with the Union Home Ministry’s target for concluding the Maoist insurgency, with Home Minister Amit Shah setting March 31, 2026, as the end date for eliminating Naxalism. Anant urges the state governments to exhibit restraint and suspend security operations until then.
In a gesture of goodwill, the MMC declared an end to their observance of People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Week, traditionally observed on December 2. “Only with such efforts from both sides will a better atmosphere be created, and it will be possible for us to communicate with each other… We have no ulterior motive in asking for so much time…” Anant stated.
Additionally, the MMC requested the government to broadcast its declaration of a temporary suspension of armed struggle on All India Radio, ensuring that information reaches underground cadres. “This is the best way for our comrades to know the daily news from the country and the world… we have no other modes of communication,” the letter highlighted.
According to an intelligence officer in Telangana, this correspondence is part of a series of appeals originating from the upper echelons of the party. The officer noted that a similar letter had been sent earlier by the Central Committee, seeking time for a collective surrender. “That letter requested the Union government for time to surrender. This letter has set a date,” the officer concluded.
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