While tension between Maoists and States is escalating in various parts of the country, a breakaway faction of the Communist Party of India (Maoists) has expressed a desire to join the mainstream and work like a mass organisation, leaving behind the idea of an armed struggle.
Cadres of Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP), which came into being after a split in the CPI (ML) in Karnataka, responded to a citizens’ initiative calling for both the Maoists and the State government to work towards peace. They have made it clear that they are not interested in a "surrender package". They have agreed to join the mainstream and continue their mass movement if "two simple and practical demands" are fulfilled.
Addressing mediapersons on behalf of the RCP, Noor Sridhar and Sirimane Nagaraj said that they wants withdrawal of "false" cases foisted on them and creation of a democratic atmosphere conducive for continuing the mass movement in the coming days.
Recently a delegation of writers, intellectuals and human right activists met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and appealed to him to initiate a dialogue with Maoists in the State. led by writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa, the delegation submitted a memorandum signed by 19 noted personalities, including Jnanapeeth recipient U.R. Ananthamurthy, freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy and writer Devanooru Mahadeva, that urged both the government and Maoists to talk and create peace and equality in the State. Responding to the appeal, the government had often issued statements that it is prepared for talks with Naxalites.
Mr. Sridhar said that Karnataka is passing through a very difficult situation. On the one hand, social turmoil is growing in society because of globalisation and communalisation. On the other hand, all movements with various ideological backgrounds have received a setback. Mr. Sridhar had refused to become Karnataka state secretary of CPI (Maoist) after Saket Rajan alias Prem fell to the bullets of a police team in Chikmagalur in 2005.
Noting that it is high time all pro-people organisations and individuals introspect and come together to strengthen the voice of the oppressed, Mr. Nagaraj said, “Building a strong, daring and genuine people’s movement is the need of the hour. In case government withdraws the cases, we wish to involve ourselves freely and openly in building a genuine people’s movement.”
When asked about the position of the Maoist party, Mr. Sridhar said: “We do not know their stand, but we don’t have any ambiguity or confusion about joining the mainstream and continuing a democratic struggle within the legal framework. We are convinced that, under the circumstances, armed struggle was not necessary.”
