In a potential breakthrough for security forces in central India, the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zonal Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist) has declared its cadres are prepared to renounce violence and join the mainstream by January 1, 2026. This landmark offer is conditional upon the three state governments providing clear security assurances and a transparent rehabilitation package.
A Collective Call for Peace
The proposal was formally made in a letter issued by MMC spokesperson, Anant, and addressed to the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The communication comes at a critical juncture, coinciding with intensified anti-Maoist operations and the Union government's ambitious deadline to end Left-wing extremism by March 31, 2026. The timing also aligns with high-level security conferences in Raipur.
The letter emphasizes a desire for a "collective, organised and respectful reunification" with society, fundamentally rejecting the concept of individual, scattered surrenders. Anant criticized previous rehabilitation drives, stating they "remained on paper" and failed to ensure the safety of surrendered cadres and their families.
Ceasefire and Coordination Proposed
Central to the Maoist offer is a proposed ceasefire from both sides to facilitate a peaceful transition. The MMC leadership has urged the three state governments to "exercise restraint" and temporarily suspend operations in affected areas. In return, they have promised that their cadres will halt all armed and organizational activities until the January 1, 2026 deadline.
While acknowledging recent remarks by Chhattisgarh leaders suggesting a surrender process could be wrapped up in 10-15 days, the letter firmly states that January 1, 2026, is their final and non-negotiable date for this coordinated move. Anant, in an internal message, clarified that this is a unified strategy, saying, "We will all move together on a single day, so that our unity remains intact and we can negotiate from a position of strength."
Reframing the Narrative: From Surrender to Reunification
The Maoist statement meticulously frames this decision as a tactical, collective party strategy rather than an act of betrayal or cowardice. It argues that laying down arms is a necessary step "for the survival of the organisation and the interests of the people" in light of changed national and international conditions.
To maintain trust and coordination, the MMC has established a temporary communication channel, announcing that its delegations can be reached on radio frequency 435.715 between 11 am and 11:15 am daily for the next month. The committee has also appealed to journalists and opinion makers to support the confidence-building process and avoid narratives that could derail it.
In a separate but related development, a spokesperson from the Dandakaranya special zonal committee, 'Vikalp', has alleged that a recent encounter in Andhra Pradesh was fake and called for a 'bandh' on November 30, indicating the complex and multifaceted nature of the Maoist landscape even as one major committee seeks peace.
