A group of intellectuals appealed to the Indian government to respond to the Communist Party of India-Maoist's truce offer immediately in the interests of common people.
Welcoming the Maoist announcement of a 72-day ceasefire, the intellectuals under the aegis of 'Citizens Initiative for Peace' said, "this opportunity should not be missed. Armed operations by government and Maoists should cease immediately, so that dialogue can begin."
"We recall that Home Minister P Chidambaram had said that the government would be willing to talk if the Maoists abjured violence for 72