Raipur
The central committee of the Naxalites has expressed readiness to surrender and lay down arms, according to a press release issued by ‘Anant’, spokesperson of the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh (MMC) Zone.
The press release states the organisation’s intention to accept the government’s rehabilitation scheme and end all armed conflict. The Naxalites have sought time till 15 February 2026 to complete their collective decision-making process. They also announced that they will not observe PLGA Week this year.
The committee stated it will wait for the governments’ response to this press release before issuing a final announcement regarding the date for laying down arms.
According to the spokesperson, Comrade Sonu Dada, a Central Committee Member (CCM) and Polit Bureau member, reviewed the changing circumstances and decided to temporarily suspend the armed struggle. This stance has been supported by CCM Satish Dada and CCM Chandranna. The MMC Zone has specifically requested additional time to complete its collective decision-making process.
Anant said that as the organisation follows democratic centralism, it will take time to communicate the message to all cadres and build collective consensus. The organisation appealed to the governments of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh to halt all security operations during this period.
They have requested that no action be taken even during the period usually marked for PLGA Week, assuring that they will not celebrate it this year and will stop all related activities.
The statement also demands that the government stop informant activities and input-based operations. Additionally, the Naxalites have asked the government to broadcast their message on radio, which they claim is the only reliable way to reach members in remote areas.
The MMC Zone has further sought permission to meet with certain public representatives, journalists, and YouTuber journalists during this period, believing such interactions will help finalise and quickly announce the date for abandoning arms. They also urged mediators to strengthen dialogue between the government and the Naxalite organisation.
This appeal for surrender comes just days after a letter issued on 21 November under the name ‘Abhay’, in which the Naxalites called the encounter of Hidma a “false and fabricated story” by the police.
That letter claimed Hidma was ill and had gone to Vijayawada for treatment. It alleged that after the information leaked, the police apprehended him on 15 November. It further claimed that Andhra Pradesh Police took him to the Maredumilli area in Alluri Sitarama Raju district and killed him on 18 November. According to the organisation, six people, including Hidma and his wife Raje, were killed, and the police fabricated the encounter story. They also alleged that the 19 November encounter of seven others was fake.
Bastar tribal leader and former MLA Manish Kunjam also alleged that Hidma was killed in a fake encounter in Andhra Pradesh and further claimed that Naxalite leader Devji was responsible for Hidma’s death.
