Top Maoist leader Devuji, also known as Thippiri Tirupati, who emerged from hiding and joined the mainstream, has urged the government to lift the ban on the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Devuji, who spent 44 years underground and held key positions within the banned CPI (Maoist), surrendered along with others following the government’s deadline to combat Maoism by March 31. In an interview, Devuji discussed anti-Maoist operations, peace talks, and the movement’s future.
Devuji expressed skepticism about the authenticity of encounters linked to Operation KAGAR, stating that most were not genuine. He commended the Telangana government for its efforts to reduce bloodshed associated with the operation and called for an end to violence. Devuji emphasized the potential for peace talks and urged the government to reconsider its approach to Left-wing extremism.
Devuji appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to cease Operation KAGAR and opt for dialogue instead of violence. He emphasized the importance of halting bloodshed and reiterated the Maoists’ willingness to engage in peaceful discussions. Devuji disclosed his decision to work openly among the people after years in hiding, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution to the Maoist issue.
