The readiness of the CPI (Maoist), a banned organisation, for peace talks is seen as signifying a democratic gesture that should be welcomed by all who uphold democratic values. The ongoing conflict under ‘Operation Kagaar’ in Central India represents a clash between alleged state aggression and self-defence by oppressed communities. Critics argue that the Indian government has violated constitutional principles by promoting corporate expansion in Adivasi regions under the pretext of development, endangering the lives and livelihoods of local populations.
This confrontation, while officially presented as a campaign against Maoists, has reportedly resulted in widespread violence against non-combatant civilians, making up the majority of those affected. The conflict has been interpreted by some as a broader manifestation of how global capitalist systems, when facing economic crises, resort to militarization and increased state repression in semi-colonial regions to preserve their interests.
The origins of the CPI (Maoist) movement, critics argue, cannot be dismissed as external instigation, but must be understood as rooted in the socio-economic and cultural grievances of marginalized populations. The party claims to represent the aspirations of these communities and maintains that its existence is a response to their conditions rather than independent of them.
Operation Kagaar, launched in January 2024, is perceived by some as an effort to facilitate resource exploitation in tribal areas and displace indigenous populations. Over 400 people have reportedly died since the operation began. Human rights concerns related to the treatment of Adivasis have attracted international attention, including at the United Nations.
Civil society groups have called for an end to the conflict and the initiation of peace talks. In response, a Committee for Peace Talks was formed in Hyderabad, proposing a mutual ceasefire. The CPI (Maoist) expressed willingness to participate in such talks, citing concern for civilian lives. The party’s Central Committee acknowledged the calls from civil society and affirmed its commitment to dialogue.
Previous attempts at peace talks have failed. In both 2002 and 2004, efforts in undivided Andhra Pradesh did not reach a conclusive outcome. The CPI (Maoist) has been accused of inconsistency in its approach to such proposals, while the Indian state has been criticised for using peace talks as a pretext for surveillance and targeted attacks on Maoist leadership. Incidents involving the deaths of CPI (Maoist) leaders such as Comrades Ramakrishna, Azad, and Kishenji during or after negotiations have fuelled mistrust.
In December 2023, the Dandakaranya Committee of the CPI (Maoist) indicated a renewed openness to peace following the BJP’s electoral victory in Chhattisgarh. The party recommended measures including halting the establishment of new military camps and confining security forces to barracks. However, despite these overtures, Operation Kagaar has continued unabated.
The CPI (Maoist) has emphasized its commitment to protecting Adivasi lives, even at the cost of its own leadership and cadres. The party has indicated that its objective is not limited to armed struggle and that it is open to other democratic means of achieving justice. It insists that its willingness to negotiate is motivated by public interest rather than strategic advantage.
The scale of the military operations, involving thousands of troops across multiple states—Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana—has created a dire humanitarian situation. The CPI (Maoist) has agreed to engage with both state and central governments, demanding an end to what they describe as a war against oppressed communities.
Concerns have been raised about the Indian government’s strategy of recruiting Adivasi youth into security forces, effectively pitting members of the same communities against one another. Reports also suggest that many so-called Maoist surrenders are coerced, raising fears that these individuals may be used to suppress dissent within their own communities. Observers note the region is sliding into a form of civil war.
The CPI (Maoist), in its recent statements, has extended its concerns beyond Adivasis to include broader social and cultural issues. It has criticised what it calls the constitutional legitimization of discrimination against religious minorities and called for the protection of cultural traditions, languages, and the environment. In contrast, government officials, including the Union Home Minister and the Chhattisgarh state government, have insisted that Maoists must disarm before any talks can proceed. Critics argue that this precondition undermines the sincerity of the government’s willingness to negotiate.
Despite differing views on the Maoist movement, its proposal for peace talks has been seen as flexible and grounded in public interest. Democratic forces are being urged to press the government to engage in sincere negotiations. For many Adivasis and others affected by the ongoing operations, peace talks are viewed as a potential respite from the daily realities of displacement, violence, and uncertainty.
There are also concerns about the CPI (Maoist)'s own internal limitations. The party’s current overtures may be partly driven by desperation amid losses and declining cadre strength. It has been criticised for lacking deep grassroots participation and for failing to fully mobilize revolutionary consciousness among the oppressed. Observers argue it has yet to meet the necessary material and subjective conditions for sustaining its movement.
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*Freelance journalist
Comments
As for the perceived shortcomings referred to, shouldn’t we as observers seek free access and proximity to understand factors such as the sustainability of the particular movement. And raise concerns about how to complement the resistance by other perceptively legitimate means?