Centre, Maoists attempt to set date for ceasefire

The chances of a ceasefire between the Maoists and the government seem to have brightened, with the mediation of prominent civil society members.

Highly placed sources within the home ministry said the two sides are likely to simultaneously announce a ceasefire soon and pave the way for a dialogue.

Union home minister P Chidambaram has reportedly even suggested a date in a letter to social activist Swami Agnivesh. Agnivesh met Chidambaram on Monday before passing the message to the representatives of the Left rebels; Agnivesh told DNA that the ceasefire would be announced soon. “I had a series of meetings with prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Chidambaram to work out the modalities for a ceasefire,” he said.

It is learnt that the main problem in announcing the ceasefire was that neither wanted to do it first.    

To resolve the conflict of egos, it was decided that the two sides would announce it at the same time, sources said. Agnivesh said he and other prominent citizens had met some leaders as well as sympathisers of the Left wing movement. “They have also shown the inclination to talk to the government,” he said.

Chidambaram has also clarified that no government order was issued to take action against those making peace efforts with the Maoists. Such an action would be taken only if someone was involved in helping the Maoists recruit cadres or raise finances.
Six Maoists arrested for Dantewada massacre.