In the high-profile surrenders that augur well for a less bloody future, some prominent Maoist cadres on Thursday surrendered to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli. The surrender, which officials described as a “major breakthrough,” is yet another blow for the dissolving Maoist movement in the state’s red corridor.Â
The squad consisted of top Maoist leaders who had been operating in the thick jungles of Gadchiroli and surrounding areas for more than a decade. They came armed once the symbols of rebellion and put down arms at the feet of law and peace. As Fadnavis accepted their surrender, he praised their act as a bold step towards rediscovering their lives and working in society.
“Today’s surrender is not only the end of violence for these individuals, it’s the beginning of new possibilities,” Fadnavis had asserted during his presence at the event. He claimed that the state government is committed to bringing rehabilitation, education, and employment opportunities to the people who take the path of peace.
The majority of cadres who surrendered spoke emotionally of life in the jungle years of separation from families, living and breathing in fear and uncertainty. One of them, a woman who joined the Maoist ranks as a teenager, wept as she spoke of relief at being able to “see freedom in its true form” finally.
The government said the surrendered cadres will be given financial help, shelter, and vocational rehabilitation under its continuing policy of rehabilitation.
Maharashtra’s anti-Naxal operations have witnessed heavy security action interspersed with surrenders induced by outreach programs through the years. Thursday’s show is being seen not only as a success of the security forces but also as a success of human sensitivity and dialogue.
As sunset fell over Gadchiroli, the surrendered cadres laid down their weapons and perhaps, the shadows of their own past. Whatever awaits them in the future is unknown, but it begins with peace.
