Naxalites initiate surrender talks, seek time for mass laydown of arms in 3 states

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A very big and positive news has come out amidst the decisive and aggressive campaign of the security forces against Naxalism in the country. Naxalites, who have been synonymous with violence for decades, have now decided to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream. Taking a historic step, Naxalites of the 'Special Zonal Committee' (MMC Zone), active in the border areas of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, have sent a joint letter to the Chief Ministers of the three states. In this letter, they have clarified that they want to give up the path of violence and surrender collectively. This letter has been addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.

The Naxalites' proposal is believed to be driven by the influence of their former senior comrades. The letter states that they wish to follow in the footsteps of their senior comrades, Bhupati (who surrendered in Maharashtra) and Satish (who surrendered in Chhattisgarh). Anticipating the rehabilitation of their former comrades and a secure life in the mainstream, the remaining Naxalites in the MMC zone have also decided to abandon the jungle and their guns. This proposal is being considered a major strategic victory for security agencies and the governments of the three states, as the MMC zone has long been considered a stronghold of Naxalites.

The most important aspect of this surrender proposal is that the Naxalites want to surrender en masse, not in groups, but with cadres from the entire MMC zone. However, they have requested some time from the government to complete this process. In the letter, the Naxalites have set a deadline of February 15, 2026, to establish mutual coordination and communication with all their comrades. They ask that they be given time until this date to bring all their comrades scattered in the forest together and finalize a collective decision. The government and security agencies are seriously considering this proposal, because if this mass surrender is successful, it will be like breaking the backbone of Naxalism in Central India.