Hyderabad: The CPI (Maoist) Central Committee has called for a nationwide bandh on June 10 (Tuesday) in protest against the recent encounter killing of senior Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao, also known as Basavaraj. The outfit also announced a series of memorial events to honour its deceased cadre, scheduled to be held from June 11 to August 3.
In a significant development, Maoists have reportedly expressed willingness to initiate peace talks with the central government. Sources indicate that the Centre has taken note of the proposal and is evaluating the next steps.
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The bandh call follows a major anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on May 21, where 28 Maoists, including 67-year-old Basavaraj, were killed in an intense gunbattle. Acting on intelligence inputs regarding Basavaraj’s presence, security forces launched a targeted operation in the Maad region, resulting in the deadly encounter.
This operation was part of the Centre’s intensified anti-Maoist campaign titled “Operation Kagar,” which has led to a series of encounters across Chhattisgarh and the Dandakaranya region in recent weeks. Several top Maoist leaders have been neutralised during the drive.
In light of these developments, various Communist leaders have urged the Centre to halt Operation Kagar and instead engage in peace negotiations with the Maoists.