'Will surrender before February 15, no more armed struggle': Maoists to Indian government

NEW DELHI: The Maoists will soon end their decades-long armed struggle and surrender to the government of India. The Communist Party of India (Maoist) requested time till February 15, 2026, to surrender. In this regard, a letter was sent to the Central Government and the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The letter was sent by Anant, spokesperson of the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh Special Zonal Committee (MMC).

The decision was taken at the request of Mallojula Venugopal Rao, commonly known by his nom de guerre Abhay, a member of the party's central committee and politburo. Anant's letter also states that he wants to be a part of the government's rehabilitation plan. The letter also states that the organisation needs time till February 15 to convey the message to the workers in various states and hold consultations. The Union Home Ministry has vowed to end Naxalism in the country by March 31, 2026.

The Guerrilla Army, the military wing of the organisation, will not celebrate its founding anniversary on December 2. The letter also requested the forces not to conduct anti-Maoist operations during this time. Anant also demands in the letter to stop using 'informers' who provide details to the security forces. However, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma responded that 10-15 days would be enough to surrender.

Prominent leaders, including Sonu (Bhupathi), Pulluri Prasad Rao alias Sankaranna and several Maoists in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, have surrendered recently. The killing of top commander Madvi Hidma in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh last week left the organisation mentally demoralised. Commanders Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji and Ganesh Uyke, who had earlier led the attacks, are now facing health ailments.