A year on, demands of surrendered Maoists remain unfulfilled

A year later, surrendered Maoists face unfulfilled demands and mental distress, highlighting a betrayal of trust by the government.

It has been over a year since eight Maoists laid down their arms and joined the mainstream. All of them remain in jail.

“One has stopped eating properly and refuses to attend legal proceedings. Others are undergoing extreme mental stress. On the other hand, the government does not have the time to meet members of the Naxal rehabilitation committee,” said K.P. Sreepal, a member of the State committee.

“Before surrendering, there was time for a series of meetings. Now that it is done, getting an appointment to meet the Chief Minister has become a distant dream,” he added.

On January 8, 2025, six Maoists joined the mainstream at the Chief Minister’s Home Office, bringing to an end an armed movement that spanned more than two decades. Those who surrendered include Mundagaru Latha, Sundari Kuttaluru, Vanajakshi Balehole, Maareppa Aroli and K. Vasantha.

Subsequently, two more, Kotehonda Ravindra and Tombattu Lakshmi, joined the mainstream.

Mental distress and isolation