Ranchi: In a surprising statement, Naxals have claimed that they do not view police personnel as enemies, despite having killed 550 security personnel in Jharkhand since the state was formed 25 years ago. The statement comes amid renewed appeals by the Maoists for peace talks with the central and state governments.
From the year 2000 to April 2025, a total of 550 police and paramilitary personnel have been killed in Naxal attacks across the state. During the same period, security forces have gunned down 798 Naxals in various anti-Naxal operations.
On April 8, the CPI (Maoist) issued its second appeal for peace talks, a decision taken by the group’s Central Committee. In a statement issued by Rupesh, the in-charge of the North-West Sub-Zonal Bureau, the Maoists reiterated their demand for creating a conducive environment for dialogue. They emphasized that ongoing operations against them must be halted for talks to be possible, calling for a ceasefire to enable meaningful negotiation.
The Central Committee also demanded an end to the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in Bastar and urged the government to take the first step in establishing conditions suitable for peace talks.
According to official data, Naxal-related violence has significantly decreased in recent years, but the conflict has claimed a heavy toll over the past two and a half decades. The number of casualties among security personnel peaked in certain years, including 2002 (77 deaths), 2010 (71), and 2001 (44). Meanwhile, the highest number of Naxal casualties was recorded in 2008 and 2009, with 61 deaths each year.
The Naxals’ recent tone appears to signal a shift in strategy, focusing more on negotiation than confrontation, although their demand for a halt in security operations poses a significant challenge for policymakers.