‘Give us time to consider surrender’:Audio clip reveals Anant’s appeal to 3 states seeking a pause in armed conflict until mid-Feb

Amid an intensified crackdown by security forces on Naxalites, a call has been made seeking time for surrender. An audio clip, purportedly of Anant- the alleged spokesperson of the MMC zone (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh)-has surfaced, In the audio, he is heard requesting time until February 15 from the chief ministers of all three states to consider halting the armed conflict. Audio features conversation between Anant and reporter The nearly eight-minute audio features a conversation between Anant and a journalist. In it, Anant says that the MMC Special Zonal Committee also wishes to lay down arms and accept the government’s rehabilitation and reassessment scheme. “We request all three state governments to give us time,” he can be heard saying. Anant further states that the party functions on the principles of democratic centralism, and therefore requires time to take a collective decision, contact cadres and communicate the message through its established process. Read the key points of this audio Journalist- Anant Dada, you wanted to contact us. If you could tell us what your identity is, then we can proceed with the conversation. Anant- Yes, for now my name is just Anant. I am a member of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Special Committee, meaning I am a member of MMC agency. As a spokesperson of MMC agency, I want to present my views before the public. I want to present my views before the government. Journalist- Yes, if you could tell us what you want to discuss, after that I will ask some questions. Anant- Okay, I will just read out the statement. After this Anant read out the letter given below… One faction wants to continue the struggle Journalist- We will try to convey your message to the government and the public. I had a question that just yesterday a letter came from your Central Committee. In which it was said to celebrate PLGA week (People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army Week). So one faction wants the fight to continue. Have you now separated from them or do you believe that we should now lay down our weapons? Anant- Yes, we believe that given the changed circumstances in the country and world, armed conflict cannot be successful. There are slightly different opinions but we are one party. They will understand this a bit later, but it would be better if they understand sooner. Journalist- I will try to convey your message to the public, to the viewers. We want peace to find its way. We want your safe return. Whatever our responsibility and accountability may be towards this, whatever we can do, we will try to do. Anant- Alright. ASP said – Investigating the audio
Balaghat’s ASP (Naxal) Adarsh Kant Shukla said – The audio is being investigated. There is no Naxal profile of any person named Anant in the district. It should be noted that recently security forces have killed several hardcore Naxals including Madvi Hidma while many others have surrendered. ​