On Peace Dialogue

    The Central government’s increasing persecution of so-called “Urban Naxals” reveals a deeper intolerance, not of armed struggle, but of any form of dissenting ideology. When the mere expression or propagation of alternative political beliefs becomes a punishable offence, if it really is a democratic govt., it will allow propagation of alternative ideas. 

    This crackdown on ideology coincides with the waning of the Maoist movement’s military strength. The state appears to be taking this as advantage to mount an offensive, less on the battlefield, more on Adivasi peoples and on the terrain of ideas. Their ultimate goal? To pave the way for unchecked imperialist and corporate exploitation. Forests, tribal lands, and mineral-rich regions are being systematically cleared for looting. In this context, any ideology that opposes imperialism, corporate plunder, or that advocates for people’s democratic control becomes a threat to the state and its economic allies.

    The Maoists have repeatedly expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue. They have even invited the government to the negotiating table. But Amit Shah’s response is telling: “Surrender your arms first”. If disarmament is the precondition for dialogue, what about people’s rights - forest rights and what about the mining and land of Adivasi people?

    

    The Govt’s peace initiative is less about harmony and more about silencing dissent and clearing the path for neoliberal plunder.

    Today all ruling parties have the responsibility to stand in support of the ideas of democracy and republic. This is a country with several ideologies, religious sects, languages and culture. But at the same time some are supporting the slogan of one dharma, one ideology and one political party only. This will lead us to dictatorship. No democrat, no socialist, no activist of mass movements will accept this. There may be intense altercations among ideologies and theoretical attitudes but the attempt to suppress all other theories will certainly lead to fascist attitude. In history these fascist ideas got upper hand only for a short time. At present the BJP party and its members who have got full majority should not behave arrogantly. They have to put a full stop to oppression and fanaticism. They have to show restraint with the problems created by neighbouring countries. They should not sacrifice the immediate and long term aspirations of our people. Though some philosophy has ruled the roost for some time in history, the philosophy supporting the masses is always alive without a break. It never lost its heroic quality of resilience, managing its emotions and bearing the oppression. This we declare from the side of the people. 

    Preventing war by negotiations is a law of war. War should not be continued while inviting for negotiations. Demanding to surrender the enemy forces by either of the belligerent forces is not a law of war. Though one party is superior in military it should not try to eliminate the democratic forces and the people. Elimination of the opposite force by conspiratorial methods also is not a law of war. Maoist party is ready for negotiations. But the state is laying down some sanctions. Both the parties should stop the war and sit across the table for negotiations. Humanists and democrats are calling for peace. Different political forces also are demanding the rulers to discontinue the massacre of people.

    

    We demand immediate discontinuation of all kinds of military operations in the adivasi areas and protect the rights of adivasi people.

Viswam, General Secretary, CPI(ML)