Swami Agnivesh’s
reply to the letter by Shri Azad dt. 31 May 2010 on behalf of Central
Committee of CPI (Maoist)
26 June 2010
Dear Shri Azad
ji,
Thank you very much for your letter dated 31.05-2010
which came to my hands about a week later around 7-8th June. I
fully appreciate the viewpoint of the Central Committee of the CPI
(Maoists). I agree that Confidence Building Measures will have to be taken
by both sides for the success of Mutual Ceasefire Agreement. In particular
I would like to thank the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee leadership for
reposing faith in the joint efforts of the Civil Society in general and
that of me in particular.
I shared your letter with the Union Home Minister
Shri P. Chidambaram and handed over a copy of the complete set of documents
that you had sent with the letter.
The issues that have been
raised in your letter to me, are of vital importance not just to facilitate
the dialogue process but also eventually to promote Just Peace, with focus
on our tribal sisters and brothers.
Let me for record state it
very clearly that the Union Home Minister feels that your response to his
offer for talks between GOI and CPI (Maoists) is not very clear.
The Home Minister not only stated
in his letter but also very sincerely made it clear to me in person that
once the ceasefire agreement has been signed the cessation of operations
would continue until the talks turn conclusive which may be a period of 3
to 6 months.
The steps that you had
suggested can also be brought up and discussed across the table during the
period of these taltks.
In spite of his extremely busy schedule I could see
Union Home Minister over half a dozen times for clarifications about his
offer and around the steps you have suggested. On balance I see a point in
Home Minister’s insistence for CPI (Maoists) suggesting a date for
suspending any armed action for just 72 hours. Such a date of your
convenience may quietly be conveyed to me without any media
involvement and should have at least 5-7 days period for, making
all other necessary preparations. There will be ceasefire from both sides.
The 72 hours from the
appointed time and date can then be fully utilized for
(1) To
Monitor Peace being observed from both sides and to ensure that
minor incidents do not mar the peace process.
(2) To
facilitate agreement for Simultaneous Mutual Ceasefire within those 72 hrs.
(3) The
Government extending formal invitation to the CPI (Maoists) Leaders for
talks.
(4) To
strengthen mutual trust between the GOI and the CPI (Maoists) for the
eventual dialogue process to begin, at the earliest.
You will
appreciate the fact that if we can abjure Media involvement up to the point
of signing the mutual ceasefire agreement, it will be possible to honour
the requirements as suggested by the Union Home Minister as well as the
first step suggested by CPI (Maoists).
You will be glad to know that with the help
from the Union Home Minister, I could personally meet Shri Kobad Ghandy in
Tihar Jail (New Delhi) and Shri Narayan Sanyal in Raipur Central Jail.
Needless for me to tell you that both meetings, lasting for more than an
hour and a half each, were very cordial and their response was very
positive towards the Peace and Dialogue Process.
Finally, on the basis of all the mutual trust
and confidence which I could enjoy from all concerned, I am hereby
suggesting any of the following three dates to start the initial 72 hours
of suspension of armed resistance from your side and simultaneous cessation
of action by the Govt. forces.
(1) 10th
July 2010. - or
(2) 15th
July 2010. - or
(3) 20th
July 2010.
Please feel
free to suggest any other date of your convenience, if necessary. As soon as
you confirm either of the three dates, I will follow it up with Shri P.
Chidambaram.
Expecting a
positive and quick reply-
Yours
Sincerely,
(Swami Agnivesh)
E-mail : agnivesh70@gmail.com
Mobile :
98109 76705
Address : 7
Jantar Mantar Road,
New Delhi- 110001
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