Maoists propose conditional talks, while Chhattisgarh is open to dialogue without conditions.

• The Communist Party of India (Maoist) has offered conditional peace talks in Chhattisgarh, a state where the government intensifies operations against left-wing extremism.
• The group’s central committee stated readiness for peace talks on the condition that the government ceases anti-Maoist operations and stops the establishment of new armed forces camps.
• The government has stated it is ready for talks and for the Maoists to return to the mainstream, but cannot be subject to their conditions.
• State Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that the government will not form any committees for peace talks and that the Maoists can initiate it through any channel of their choice.
• The Maoist letter surfaced two days ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s expected arrival in Chhattisgarh.
• The Opposition Congress has criticized the government’s propaganda efforts, claiming they are preparing a “script” for Shah’s visit.