A coalition of over 160 organizations and concerned citizens has issued a joint appeal urging the Government of Chhattisgarh and the CPI (Maoist) to declare an immediate ceasefire and begin peace talks. The appeal highlights the urgent need to protect Adivasi communities and villagers affected by the prolonged conflict in Bastar, West Singhbhum, and Gadchiroli.
The appeal outlines key demands, including an end to all forms of violence by both sides, unconditional dialogue, and accountability for human rights violations. It also calls for free access to conflict zones for independent observers and the release of activists detained for protesting state policies.
The conflict, which escalated following the Salwa Judum movement two decades ago, has seen increased militarization, with reports of civilian casualties and displacement. Critics argue that military operations have overshadowed essential issues like land rights and development in Adivasi regions.
Prominent figures such as Jean Drèze and Medha Patkar, along with organizations like the People’s Union for Civil Liberties and the National Alliance of People’s Movements, have endorsed the appeal.
The groups urge immediate action on their demands, including demilitarization, justice for human rights abuses, and a halt to mining projects that threaten Adivasi lands.
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We, the undersigned individuals and organisations, welcome the CPI (Maoist)’s offer for peace talks and acknowledge the Chhattisgarh government’s openness to such dialogue. However, the government must show genuine intent by halting all ongoing military operations immediately. We urge both sides to prioritise the well-being of Adivasis and other local residents and to engage in peace negotiations, upholding the constitutional, democratic, and human rights of all citizens, within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
The Adivasi-majority regions of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra are at the heart of this conflict. The safety and dignity of people living in these areas must be the top priority in any peace process. We appeal to both parties to declare and honour an immediate ceasefire. All forms of violence must cease—including armed operations, fake encounters, IED attacks, and civilian killings.
As a constitutionally elected body, the Government has a responsibility to act in accordance with constitutional principles. It should not treat this situation as a war against an external enemy but recognise it as an internal conflict involving fellow citizens, requiring a just and peaceful resolution. The Government must take the initiative by calling for peace talks without preconditions, demonstrating its commitment to justice and constitutional values.
It has now been 20 years since the launch of the state-backed and now outlawed Salwa Judum in Bastar, which brought immense suffering—mass killings, village burnings, sexual violence, hunger, forced displacement, and various forms of abuse. Since then, Bastar’s residents have experienced little peace. Just as some began returning to their homes, they were faced with new waves of operations, including Operation Green Hunt and its successors. Since 2024, Operation Kagaar has reportedly led to over 400 deaths (287 in 2024 and 113 in 2025). Although precise numbers are unclear, many of those labelled as Maoists have been identified by locals as civilians, indicating a heavy toll on non-combatants. Article 14 reported that from 2018–2022, more civilians (335) died than security personnel (168) or Maoists (327). Several children were killed in 2024. According to SATP, 2025 saw 15 civilian, 14 security force, and 150 Maoist casualties. Forces were rewarded Rs. 8.24 crore for these killings.
An official report says that over the past 25 years, 16,733 people have been arrested and 10,884 have surrendered. The government now claims that only 400 armed Maoists remain and expects to eliminate them by March 2026. The weapons recovered (only 263) include mostly crude firearms like country-made pistols and old rifles. The number of “highly affected” districts has dropped to six. Given these facts, the Maoists no longer pose a threat that justifies such a massive military response.
Despite Supreme Court directives to disband SPOs and stop using surrendered/arrested Maoists in counter-insurgency roles, the government has expanded the use of District Reserve Guards and Bastar Fighters—many of whom are former Salwa Judum members. These groups are heavily involved in human rights violations and are themselves subjected to abuse. Civilians affected since Salwa Judum have received little to no compensation, and no legal action has been taken against those responsible, despite orders from the Supreme Court.
There are now over 160 security camps across Bastar, many built on community or even private lands, creating severe hardship for Adivasis. In some areas, there is one security personnel for every nine civilians. While roadbuilding has advanced rapidly, essential services like education, healthcare, and transport have lagged far behind. At the same time, the government has signed multiple MOUs with mining companies—raising fears among villagers of displacement and ecological harm. Movements opposing mining and displacement have been suppressed under the guise of fighting Maoism.
Villagers peacefully demanding their legal rights under laws like PESA have faced brutal repression. Protest sites have been destroyed and people have been beaten. Mortars and bombs have been used, creating widespread fear and insecurity. The Moolvasi Bachao Manch has been banned, and its young leaders jailed under serious charges like UAPA. Their only “offence” was protesting against army camps and illegal killings, rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The government has left no space for peaceful dissent.
We also urge the Maoists to stop attacks on security personnel and halt the use of IEDs, which pose grave risks to civilians, including children and livestock. They must also end summary executions by jan adalats.
In the atmosphere of violence and repression, core issues affecting people—like food security, land and forest rights, healthcare, education, and protection from exploitation—have been neglected. All proposed mining projects must gain the consent of local communities. These urgent matters can only be addressed in a climate of peace and justice.
We support all efforts towards peace. As citizens from across the country, we once again call for dialogue that honours the Constitution. We present the following immediate and essential steps that the government must take:
1. End the military offensive in Adivasi regions to enable a ceasefire.
2. The CPI (Maoist) must also stop attacks to enable a ceasefire.
3. Open dialogue between the Government and CPI (Maoist) must begin.
4. Independent civil society groups and media must have free access to affected areas.
5. Urgent steps must be taken to address people’s livelihoods and enforce their legal rights.
6. Adivasis and activists imprisoned for exercising their democratic rights must be released immediately so they can participate in and contribute to the peace process (such as members of Moolvasi Bachao Manch).
We strongly believe that a ceasefire and dialogue are only the starting points in restoring democratic freedoms in Bastar. This must be followed by complete demilitarization, dismantling of all army camps, release of political prisoners, reparations for human rights abuses, enforcement of protective laws like PESA and FRA, a freeze on new mining projects, and full respect for the right to protest and live freely.
We call on all democratic and political forces, including political parties, to support this process and ensure the state fulfils its constitutional duties.
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