In response to the recent proposal for talks with the Naxalites made by Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and Union Home Minister, the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has issued a statement through its Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, expressing readiness for dialogue under certain conditions. The Naxalites have labelled the proposal for talks as ‘dishonest oppression and deception’, demanding specific actions from the government to create a conducive environment for dialogue. These demands include an immediate halt to the killings of tribals in false encounters, confinement of armed forces to barracks, police stations, and camps for a period of six months, cessation of establishing new camps, and the release of political prisoners.

 

Vikalp, Spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of Naxalites, emphasised that the government must first fulfil these preconditions before meaningful dialogue can take place. Only then would the Maoist leaders consider direct or mobile virtual talks. The statement highlights the ongoing repression faced by tribal communities in Bastar division, citing recent incidents of alleged false encounter killings and crackdowns on public movements. The Naxalites accused the government of perpetuating fascist repression while simultaneously extending an offer for dialogue, branding it as hypocrisy and an attempt to mislead the public.

 

However despite the reservations, the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee reiterated its commitment to dialogue for the broader interests of oppressed classes and special social sections of the country. However, it stressed on the importance of the government creating a conducive environment for consultation and exchange, urging journalists, civil society, intellectuals, and human rights organisations to pressure the government to address their demands and halt the ongoing Operation Kagar. The modalities, agenda, and issues of the proposed talks, the statement suggests, should be decided separately once the preconditions are met by the government.