NEW DELHI: CPI(Maoist), in a purported press statement signed by its top leader ‘Abhay’ – the nom de guerre used by senior-most politburo and central committee member Mallojula Venugopal Rao – has offered to lay down arms and enter into a temporary ceasefire.Pushed to the brink by sustained counter-Naxal operations in ‘core’ areas deep inside the jungles of Abujmarh, which have seen decimation of its top leaders, including general secretary Basavaraju and seven central committee members this year, the CPI(Maoist) sought a month from govt to hold consultations with its leaders and cadre across the country, including those in jail, to build a consensus on its peace initiative. Sources in the Chhattisgarh govt and central agencies, however, said the authenticity of the letter, which is different from earlier CPI(Maoist) press statements as it carries a mugshot of Abhay, is still being verified.Stating that it had taken note of the press release, Chhattisgarh Police said, “The contents are under careful examination. It is reiterated that any decision on engagement or dialogue with the CPI(Maoist) lies solely with the govt, which will take an appropriate call after due consideration and assessment of the situation and circumstances.”A central govt officer said the onslaught the Maoists have been subjected to over the past months has not left them with many options, other than surrender. The CPI (Maoist) statement, while underlining its repeated calls for peace negotiations since the last week of March 2025, said it had on May 10, 2025, proposed laying down arms and ceasefire and sought a month’s time to hold consultations among its top brass. However, central govt, rather than responding, stepped up its counter-operations, which saw the elimination of CPI(Maoist) general secretary Basavaraju and 28 others.“In view of the changed global and national circumstances and consistent appeals by the PM, home minister and top police officers to lay down arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to give up armed struggle and enter into a temporary ceasefire. We, in the future, will continue to fight for people’s rights alongside political parties and activist outfits.” They added they were ready for talks with the home minister or other representatives.