Once a target of Red Terror, earthmovers in MP now laying reform road for ex-Maoists

Bhopal: Earthmovers, which were once commonly targeted by Maoists, along with other heavy construction machinery for being antithetical to their insurgency, will now be central to the groundwork for their reform and rehabilitation.In an unconventional step to bring surrendered cadres into the ambit of reform in the former Maoist stronghold of Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh Police has rented an earthmover as part of a larger initiative to equip former rebels with livelihood skills, while identifying documents and enabling fiscal access and inclusion so that they can rebuild their lives outside the shadow of insurgency. The reformist initiative, launched under IG Lalit Shakyawar and Balaghat SP Aditya Mishra, is aimed at helping former Maoists transition from life in the forests to mainstream society while reducing chances of a return to insurgency. Presently, 10 surrendered Maoists — five men and five women — are undergoing vocational training at the Police Lines in Balaghat. Over the past one-and-a-half months, the group has been learning tailoring as well as operating heavy machinery such as earthmovers.Officers said the machine has been rented specifically for the training programme, allowing the former cadres to gain practical experience in operating earthmoving equipment — a skill that could help them find employment in construction, road projects and excavation work.Alongside the training in handling heavy construction machinery, the surrendered cadres are also being taught basic tailoring skills such as stitching shirts and trousers, enabling them to pursue small-scale self-employment or work in tailoring units.Police said during the rehabilitation process it was noted that none of the surrendered Maoists possessed basic government identity documents, as many had spent years moving through forest areas while associated with insurgent groups. The department has since facilitated the preparation of Aadhaar cards and other identification documents, allowing them to access government services and employment opportunities."They had no documents earlier. Now we have managed to get all their identity papers prepared, and are also in the process of opening bank accounts for them. The department is doing its best to help in their rehabilitation," an officer involved in the initiative told TOI.Authorities added that the trainee former Maoists are also being brought into the banking system, enabling them to receive benefits under government rehabilitation schemes and participate in the formal financial system.In addition to rehabilitating surrendered cadres, police have also extended support to families that lost their relatives or loved ones to Maoist violence, particularly those killed on suspicion of being police informers.Under the initiative, 14 persons from such families have been recruited into the police force as constables, providing them with stable employment and financial security.Police said the recruits have already started serving in the department. Balaghat district shares dense forest borders with Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, and has historically been associated with the Maoist insurgency. Helping former insurgents acquire life and livelihood skills and integrating them into society is also intended to bridge the perceived trust deficit between local communities and security forces in Maoist-affected areas, paving the way for long-term peace and stability, the police said.