“I appeal to Comrade Ganapathi and Kishenji to let the peace talks go on”

Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, appointed interlocutor by Home Minister P Chidambaram for talks with the CPI (Maoist), talks about developments after Azad’s death.

Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, appointed interlocutor by Home Minister P Chidambaram for talks with the CPI (Maoist), was in Brisbane, Australia, when Azad was killed. On returning to New Delhi for a day, he spoke to Rahul Pandita on developments after Azad’s death.

Q How do you react to Azad’s death?

A It has been a huge disappointment. You know, I have not been able to sleep ever since I heard about his death. I have been told that he was going to Bastar to speak to the party leadership. He was very sincere, and I believe what we could have achieved would have been path-breaking. He came across as a very emotional and highly intelligent person. He really felt for the poor and had a genuine desire to change things for them, make things work for them.

Q Maoists now say that the peace talks won’t be possible. Have they?

A That would be very unfortunate. I appeal to Comrade Ganapathi and Kishenji to let the peace talks go on. After Azad’s death, it has become even more important that talks be held, and that the peace process does not get derailed. I really pray that the Maoist leadership does not let Azad’s death go in vain, and that from his sacrifice everlasting peace is achieved.

Q But Maoists have termed Azad’s death ‘a betrayal’. See, this issue is very complex.

A There is a war going on. There was no ceasefire yet, no dates had been fixed yet. The Maoists killed 27 CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh. So, similarly, the police went ahead, and Azad was killed.

Q But Maoists say that it was a fake encounter.

A Yes, I heard that he was picked up from Nagpur and then taken to Adilabad. There should be a thorough investigation of this whole episode. That is why I say talks are important. Because once you are at the table, Maoists can even put forward this demand that Azad’s death needs to be probed.

Q Could you tell us what you had proposed in your letter to Azad?

A Not right now. Let the time come.

Q So you are still hopeful that peace talks can be resumed?

A Yes, I am. Because it is very important for Adivasis who are getting killed in this war.

Q What’s going to be your next step? Are you meeting the Home Minister?

A Yes, I think I will meet him in a day or two. Let’s see what he has to say.

About The Author

Rahul Pandita

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