Communist Party of India (Marxist) urged Central Government to hold talks with Maoists as Operation Kagar was temporarily suspended. The image is used for representative purposes only.
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

The CPI (Marxist) has requested the Central Government to hold discussions with CPI (Maoist) as a positive atmosphere is prevailing in the country at present.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) polit bureau member B.V. Raghavulu said the ongoing Operation Kagar had been stopped temporarily and it was time the Government took the initiative to hold discussions with them. “Maoists themselves have evinced keenness to hold discussions,” he recalled.

Mr. Raghavulu’s request comes at a time when the ongoing Operation Kagar in Karregutta region on Telangana and Chhattisgarh borders had been temporarily halted in view of the escalating tensions on the India-Pakistan borders. “It is time to hold discussions with Maoists and the Government can clarify its conditions during the meeting,” he said.

The CPI (Marxist) senior leader’s comments assume significance as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy assured that the State government was prepared to appoint a Peace Committee for deliberations with the Maoists. Stressing the need for a national level debate on Operation Kagar, the Chief Minister said recently the government would announce its policy on the matter after the Congress finalises its stand on Operation Kagar.

Mr. Revanth Reddy was, however, firm that the Congress always viewed the naxalite problem as a social issue not just a law and order one.

Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya alias Seethakka too wanted a halt to Operation Kagar and requested the Centre to hold discussions with the Maoists instead. There was a need to create a peaceful environment in central India and other Maoist affected States and the Governments should act constitutionally respecting the special rights and administrative arrangements in tribal areas under Schedule V of the Constitution, she said.