Maoists offer 72 days ceasefire from Feb 26, Govt sees it as sham - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Top Maoist leader Mallojula Koteshwar Rao alias Kishenji on Monday evening offered a 72 day long ceasefire with the Central Government starting from February 26. Speaking to a private news channel, Rao said that talks with government could happen only if it stops the ongoing anti Naxal operation. Rao also said that intellectuals and human rights activists, who are sympathetic to Maoist ideology, should mediate in the talks. However, in New Delhi, the Union Home Ministry denied of having any information about the ceasefire offered by the Maoists. Sources also described Naxals offer as "a ploy to regroup" and said Government was ready to talks only if they adjure violence. On Saturday, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had said that the government would reach out the negotiating table even if the Maoists adjourn violence for at least 72 hours. Earlier this month, Maoists general secretary Ganapathy had said that they were ready for talks only if the government releases arrested Naxal leaders.