Telangana to Decide on Peace Talks as 86 Maoists Surrender in Bhadradri-Kothagudem
Nalgonda: IGP Multi Zone–I, S. Chandrasekhar Reddy, on Saturday announced that any peace talks with the banned CPI (Maoist) party will be subject to a decision by the state government, with the police committed to following the directive.
At a media conference held at the district police office in Kothagudem, Chandrasekhar Reddy confirmed that 86 cadres of the CPI (Maoist) — including 20 women — had surrendered to the police. He further revealed that approximately 95 Maoists continue to operate in various capacities across Telangana. The IGP urged remaining cadres to lay down their arms and join the mainstream, highlighting that the state government is extending rehabilitation support to those who surrender.
Addressing a question regarding a letter allegedly issued by the CPI (Maoist) party proposing peace talks, Chandrasekhar Reddy stated that such matters fall within the purview of the state government’s decision-making process.
The IGP also pointed to recent incidents in Kothagudem and Mulugu districts where explosives planted by Maoists injured local residents.
The surrendered group represents various wings of the organisation, including Area Committee Members, Revolutionary People’s Committees, militia members, and representatives from associated cultural and labour groups. According to a police press release, 224 Maoists from different cadres have surrendered this year, a move that officials say reflects a growing disillusionment among tribal communities. Many locals now believe that the CPI (Maoist)’s ideology has lost its relevance, especially in light of recent violent incidents that have adversely affected tribal lives and obstructed development efforts in agency areas.
