Once upon a time, operations were planned here, now the future of Naxalites is being made at the same place, many courses are being taught instead of weapons.

Khemnarayan Sharma (Kanker),

Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is now moving towards a new direction of rehabilitation and change. The same hands that once held guns are now learning the art of shaping their future. This change is taking place at a place where earlier strategies were made against the same Naxalites. This story is from North Bastar Kanker district, which has been considered a stronghold of Naxalism for a long time. Naxalites felt safe in this area bordering Abujmad and Maharashtra. But in recent times this area is on the way to come out of the red terror of Naxalism. Naxalites, who used to spread violence in the forests with weapons, are now surrendering with the same weapons and deciding to join the mainstream of society. In the last few months, more than 80 Naxalites have surrendered. Now they have started walking on the path of rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Center for surrendered Naxalites
Kanker’s Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Sri Sri Mal says that there used to be a BSF camp in Mulla village of Bhanupratappur block. In this camp the soldiers used to prepare operations and strategies against the Naxalites. But as the area became free from Naxalism, this camp became vacant. Today this abandoned camp is working as a rehabilitation center for surrendered Naxalites. Here Aadhaar cards and other important government documents of Naxalites are being made, so that they can easily step into normal life. According to their wishes, they are also being given various types of skill training. A total of 66 surrendered Naxalites are taking training in this centre. Of these, 36 Naxalites are receiving training in wood craft, 15 in mason work and 15 in advanced trade of electrician. The objective of this training is to enable them to stand on their own feet, improve the economic condition of their family and create a new identity in the society.

New chapter of youth’s life begins
With this effort of the government and police administration, a new chapter has started in the lives of these youth. This initiative is not only making them self-reliant but also providing them an opportunity to live with respect in the society. At the same time, the surrendered Naxalites themselves say that earlier they did not get the right direction, but now they are ready to work hard and live a normal life and create a safe future for their children. Senior police officer I.K. Alisela and Akash Sri Sri Mal believe that this initiative will give a new direction to peace and development in the region in the times to come. Apart from this, such activities can prove to be a strong foundation of change in the areas affected by Naxalism.