Walking from Maoist trail to mainstream life, Bijapur youth scripts comeback after surrender

RAIPUR: At 22, Arvind Hemla’s life has taken a decisive turn — from hardship and uncertainty in forests of Bijapur to a more stable future built through work, and skill training, as he starts working as a mason in neighbouring state after surrendering in March last year. Born into a poor rural family in Bijapur district, former Maoist Arvind grew up amid deprivation and instability. He lost his father in 2009 and his mother in 2016, leaving him alone and vulnerable at a young age. Poverty, adverse conditions gradually drew him towards Maoist activities in his early teens. At rehabilitation centre, he received training as a mason and learned construction work and now he earns Rs 600 per day. "What began as a forced exposure eventually turned into involvement, disrupting my personal and social life. Over time, however, I realised the path of violence offered only fear, uncertainty and no real future. I was on sentri duty for senior Maoist commanders but I knew my time would also come to face the bullets. Hence, when I was contacted by local people of my village in March 2025, I chose to surrender under the state government’s rehabilitation policy," Arvind said.After surrendering, Arvind was admitted to the rehabilitation centre in Bijapur district in Bastar and learned a skill that would help him rebuild his life in true sense.He is now employed as a construction worker in Telangana’s Mancherial district which has helped him re-enter the mainstream.Officials said the surrender and rehabilitation policy is aimed at helping those who leave violence behind return to society through structured support, vocational training and livelihood opportunities.