Rehabilitated Former Naxalites Reunite with Families in Bijapur Jail, Resolve to Break Free from the Cycle of Violence

Raipur, 15 November

Tears, hope and long-awaited embraces marked an extraordinary scene on Friday inside the Bijapur Jail premises. Rehabilitated former Naxalite youth, waiting with moist eyes for a chance to meet their families, displayed a mix of emotion and relief as they reunited with loved ones after many years. The special meeting was organised under a deeply sensitive and humanitarian initiative of the Chhattisgarh Government. 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.

*“No more violence… come home now,” families tell each other after years apart*

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. Words were few, but the tears and trembling hands conveyed what language could not. Families reminded their incarcerated relatives that even Bhupati, their former leader, has now laid down arms and appealed to others to do the same. They pleaded with them, saying the time had come to leave behind the path of Maoism and violence and join the mainstream.

*Appeal to choose a new life beyond violence*

The rehabilitated cadres urged their family members to consider the life ahead. With affection and sincerity, they told them, “We changed, and life changed with us. You, too, must give up arms. Come home. Society is ready to welcome you back.” This was not merely advice but a heartfelt appeal born of lived experience, one that touched even those sitting silently inside the jail.

*Government’s humanitarian initiative aims to rebuild trust and change lives*

Chhattisgarh Government’s initiative goes far beyond arranging a meeting. It seeks to emotionally rehabilitate youth once influenced by extremist ideology and empower them to lead stable lives. By reconnecting families, the government aims to strengthen social harmony, rebuild relationships and guide individuals away from violence towards constructive participation in society.

*“They once picked up arms under influence, now we are opening the path of reintegration,” says Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sharma*

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, 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. He said that even those currently in jail are being given the option of rehabilitation. “There was a time when many of them chose violence after being misled. Now, the government is opening pathways for their return. Every effort is being made to encourage them towards rehabilitation,” he said.