Left Parties, People’s Organisations Seek Centre-Maoists Peace Talks
CPI leader Narsimha Rao lamented that “Maoists are Indian citizens too,” and urged the Centre to seriously consider the insurgents’ proposal for negotiations.
Nalgonda: Members of Left-wing parties and allied people’s organisations staged a peace rally on Saturday in Khammam, calling on the Centre to declare a ceasefire and initiate dialogue with the banned CPI (Maoist).
The protest — organized by the CPM, CPI, CPI(ML-New Democracy) and the Telangana People’s Joint Action Committee (JAC) — marched from the R&B Guest House to the Old Bus Stand amidst chants demanding an end to hostilities and immediate peace talks.
Addressing the gathering, CPM district secretary Nunna Nageshwar Rao warned that Adivasi communities were bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict between security forces and armed Maoist cadres. “Generations of Adivasis have lived peacefully for centuries,” he said, “yet today their lives are at risk simply because neither side will halt the violence.”
CPI leader Narsimha Rao lamented that “Maoists are Indian citizens too,” and urged the Centre to seriously consider the insurgents’ proposal for negotiations. “Losing lives in gun battles benefits no one,” he added.
JAC convener Devireddy Vijay Kumar specifically demanded the cessation of “Operation Kagar,” citing recent incidents of innocent Adivasi casualties. He called for the withdrawal of security forces from Karre Gutta and renewed peace talks to restore normalcy in the affected agency areas.