Maoists, battered and cornered, offer peace. Should Modi-Shah trust them?

As Chhattisgarh police and central agencies scrutinise the authenticity of a Maoist statement offering to lay down arms, past instances reveal how Left-wing extremists have often reneged on their promises or used peace processes to regroup and reorganise.
The latest statement, signed by top Communist Party of India (Maoist) leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Abhay, has sought a month from the government to consult with its leaders and cadres nationwide, including those imprisoned, to build consensus on its peace initiative. The rebel group has also offered to enter a temporary ceasefire.