Raipur, Mar 18 (PTI) As many as 140 former Maoists, including 54 women, visited the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly here on Wednesday to observe its proceedings, marking a significant step in their further reintegration into society after giving up the path of violence.
The surrendered cadres also met Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in the premises of the Assembly, which is having its budget session, and held a detailed discussion about their lives before surrender and current condition, an official statement said.
During the interaction, the former rebels told Sai that their lives had undergone a complete transformation as they earlier lived in forests amid fear and insecurity, but now enjoy a safe and dignified life with their families, it said.
They highlighted rapid development in their respective regions, including improved roads, regular electricity, and presence of other basic infrastructure, which has made daily life easier.
Some of them became emotional while sharing that they had celebrated festivals like Holi with their families for the first time in their life, an experience they described as both new and joyful, the release said.
Welcoming them into the mainstream, Sai noted that their decision to shun armed struggle marked not just a personal transformation, but also a significant step towards a brighter future for Chhattisgarh, where a large swathes of territory were once under the control of Maoists.
The CM emphasised that by placing their trust in the Constitution, the former Naxals have set a positive and inspiring example for others.
Sai assured that the state government remains fully committed to the rehabilitation, employment, and social reintegration of surrendered Maoists.
He asserted that Naxalism in the state is in its final phase and expressed confidence that the goal of its elimination, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, would be achieved soon.
The Centre has vowed to completely eliminate Left-wing Extremism by March 31, 2026.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who holds the Home portfolio, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, and Panchayat and Rural Development Department Principal Secretary Niharika Barik were also present during the interaction.
Earlier, on February 27, around 120 former Maoists, including senior leader Rupesh, had visited the Assembly to witness its proceedings. PTI TKP RSY
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