Rehabilitated Former Naxalites Reunite with Families in Bijapur Jail, Resolve to Break Free from the Cycle of Violence
Emotional scenes as Chhattisgarh Government’s humanitarian initiative brings separated families face to face after years
Raipur, 15 November 2025 // 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 to meet their families, displayed a mix of emotion and relief as they reunited with loved ones after many years. The meeting, held under the Chhattisgarh Government’s sensitive and humanitarian initiative, 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; it was a moment of healing, a softening of years of silence, and a step towards embracing the mainstream again.
“No more violence… come home now,” families tell each other after years apart
Rehabilitated cadres 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 lodged in 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 during the emotional reunion.
Brothers embraced after years, a sister-in-law placed her hand on a relative’s head with teary eyes, and an uncle recognized his nephews after a long time. The stern environment of the prison softened with the warmth of family affection. Families reminded their incarcerated relatives that even Bhupati, their former leader, has now laid down arms, urging them to leave behind the path of Maoism and violence.
Appeal to choose a new life beyond violence
The rehabilitated cadres urged their family members with heartfelt words:
“We changed, and life changed with us. You too must give up arms. Come home. Society is ready to welcome you back.”
It was not merely advice—it was a deep, emotional appeal born of lived experience.
Government’s humanitarian initiative aims to rebuild trust and change lives
The Chhattisgarh Government’s initiative goes far beyond arranging meetings. It aims to:
- Emotionally rehabilitate youth once influenced by extremist ideology,
- Rebuild trust within families,
- Promote social harmony,
- Guide individuals away from violence toward a stable, dignified, mainstream life.
“They once picked up arms under influence, now we are opening the path of reintegration,” says Deputy Chief Minister Sharma
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, a sensitive and determined effort is underway to bring misguided youth back into the mainstream, ensuring peace, trust and development in Naxal-affected regions.
He said:
“There was a time when many of them chose violence after being misled. Now, the government is opening pathways for their return. Even those currently in jail are being given opportunities for rehabilitation.”
