‘Ready for talks’: Maoists respond to Baghel’s dialogue offer, then list conditions

Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel offered to hold talks with Maoist leaders during a visit to the Kondagaon district of Bastar division on April 8 if they express faith in the Constitution.

Updated on: May 7, 2022, 19:19:15 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: Maoists in Chhattisgarh have responded to chief minister Bhupesh Baghel’s offer to hold talks to end violence in , saying they were also ready for dialogue but the government should first release their jailed leaders and withdraw security forces deployed in the Bastar region for anti-Maoist operations.

According to Chhattisgarh government, Maoist-related violence in the state has declined from 479 incidents in 2017 to 226 in 2021. (PTI)

The Maoist statement purportedly issued on Friday by Vikalp, spokesperson of the Maoists’ Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), also ran down Bhupesh Baghel’s call for peace in Chhattisgarh as nothing but “an attempt to mislead the public and malign the Maoists. It added that there was what it described as a “larger conspiracy” behind Baghel’s peace overtures.

Baghel offered to hold talks with Maoist leaders during a visit to the Kondagaon district of Bastar division on April 8, saying that the state government was ready to hold talks if Maoists express their faith in the Constitution.

On Saturday, Baghel responded to the Maoist statement, underlining that his government is ready for talks with Maoists on any platform if they express their faith in the Constitution.

The Maoist statement, which has been circulating on social media, also alleged that on one hand, the state government was talking about peace and dialogue, and on the other, security forces were conducting airstrikes in the jungles of Bijapur and Sukma.

This is not the first time that the Maoists have accused the government of carrying out aerial strikes; the allegation has been consistently denied. Last month, the Maoists claimed that security forces conducted airstrikes using drones to target their hideouts in south Bastar. Police officers call it Maoist propaganda.

“We are always ready for the talks provided that in order to create a ‘conducive environment for talks, the restrictions imposed on Maoists are removed,” the Maoist statement said, a reference to the Centre’s 2009 decision to designate the CPI (Maoist) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Maoists also demanded the withdrawal of forces from strife-torn areas and the release of their jailed leaders for peace talks.

Inspector-General of Police, Bastar range, Sunderaj P, said security personnel deployed in Bastar were committed to ensuring the safety of the native population

“We came across a press release issued by the spokesperson of Maoists …Police and security personnel deployed in Bastar are always committed to the safety and security of lives and properties of the native population. In spite of uncountable martyrdom and unexplainable hardship, we uphold the democratic values in this part of the country. Decision with regard to peace talks with Maoists is to be taken by the state government. Establishing peace and order in Bastar would be in the best interest of all the stakeholders,” said the IG.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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