Chhattisgarh initiative: Reformed cadres meet Maoist-linked relatives; call to give up violence

RAIPUR: Tears, embraces and a firm call to give up arms marked a special reunion at the Bijapur jail premises on Friday as rehabilitated former Maoist cadres met their relatives held in prison under a special initiative of rehabilitation of Maoists. Several reformed cadres sat with family members who are currently lodged in Bijapur jail on Maoist-related charges. “No more violence… come home now,” families tell each other after years of living apart. Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister and home minister Vijay Sharma had told TOI that he intends to convert the arrested Maoists into those willing to get rehabilitation, by getting them bail or withdrawal of their cases under the court procedures.

He said that there were several Maoist supporters, members of cultural wing of Maoist movement and frontline cadres in jails, who were willing to get rehabilitated. Over 240 of them were already identified too and their categorization based on the nature of crime was under process. "The govt is exploring possibilities to change the status of arrested Maoists into surrendered and bring them to mainstream life, based on their behaviour inside jails.

Not just getting them bailed out but also withdrawal of their cases will be part of the initiative under the rehabilitation policy. Case withdrawal will also be considered for the former cadres working in association with police and administration for past few years," minister Sharma told TOI. Whatever can be made possible to convert them into surrendered, would be done as per the court directives, he added. Besides, the surrendered cadres and the villagers will also play a major role in convincing them, making them aware about life after surrender and changing their heart and mind, Sharma said.

It was a sight of huge relief when rehabilitated former Maoist youths waited with moist eyes for a chance to meet their families, as they reunited with loved ones after many years. The special meeting was organised under a deeply sensitive and humanitarian initiative of the Chhattisgarh govt.

The event opened a path for families torn apart by years of extremist influence to reconnect, rebuild trust, and renew their resolve to return to a peaceful life. It was more than a reunion of faces; it was a moment of healing, a softening of years of silence, and a step towards embracing the mainstream once again. Rehabilitated cadre members Santu Vekko, Maro Vekko, Ramlal Vekko, Santosh Kunjam, Badru Oyam, Masa Tamo, Lakhan Oyam, Laxman Tati, Mainu Arki, Rajesh Vetti and Kumari Arki met their relatives who are in the Bijapur Jail in connection with ongoing Naxal cases. Those currently in jail—Arjun Vekko, Mani Oyam, Bhimsen Oyam, Bhima Muchaki, Sayko Madvi, Somaru Madkam, Budhru Arki and Shankar Korsa—could not hold back their tears as they met their family members.

Brothers embraced after years of separation, a sister-in-law placed her hand on a relative’s head with teary eyes, and an uncle recognised his nephews after years of being away. The stern environment of the prison softened with the warmth of family affection.

Speaking to their jailed relatives, the rehabilitated youth urged them to abandon the path of violence. “Our leader Bhupati has also appealed that everyone lay down arms — he has given up weapons himself.

That should be a signal for you too: stop the violence and come home,” they told those inside, according to participants. The reunions carried an emotional appeal as much as a practical one: the rehabilitated cadres said they had changed and asked their families to accept rehabilitation and mainstreaming. “We have changed; life changed for us. Put down the weapons, come home — society is ready to accept you back,” they told the prisoners, attendees said. Home minister Sharma said that a sensitive and determined effort is underway to bring misguided youth back into the mainstream and to ensure peace, trust and development in Naxal-affected regions. “There was a time when many of them chose violence after being misled. Now, the government is opening pathways for their return.