While there could have been peaceful talks between the party and the government, the latter chose violence and has continued its practice of extrajudicial killings, under the guise of Operation Kagar.

The use of lethal force instead of legal procedures suggests that the government is unwilling to understand what the Maoists are fighting for. The rights of the adivasis—a central concern of the CPI (Maoist)—remain unacknowledged and neglected by the government. If the armed forces knew the whereabouts of the cadres, they could have arrested them rather than resorting to lethal action, particularly when the party had proposed a ceasefire and negotiations.

The RCPI demands a judicial inquiry into the killings and the publication of the findings. We also call for a thorough investigation into the lives and backgrounds of those killed. In the past, innocent civilians have also been killed by the Indian armed forces on suspicion of being “terrorists”. However, that does not in any way justify celebrating the recent killings—even if the victims were members of the party.

Despite our differences in ideology, tactics, and strategies with the CPI (Maoist), we demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to Operation Kagar.

Revolutionary Communist Party of India (RCPI)