Rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists is welcome but caution must not be abandoned
Total Views |
The latest news of the surrendered Maoist ideologue Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi being appointed as a coordinator for ‘Ekal’ programme of Gondwana University in Gadchiroli is welcome. Maharashtra is indeed presenting a robust model of rehabilitation of the former Maoists. At the same time, however, observers feel the need for exercising some caution while going ahead with such bold steps particularly in the domain of rights advocacy and awareness.
But, there is a word of caution. Usually, the individuals who constituted the ground-level fighting force of the banned CPI (Maoist) tend to mend their ways after surrender and rehabilitation. They may start a family, get some employment, earn regular income, and settle wholeheartedly in life away from Maoist violence. Those who were trained under brutal Maoist military commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in an encounter a few months ago, may prove to be exceptions. However, for a large chunk of tribals who joined the Maoists when they were teenagers or under the influence of cultural troupes of the outlaws, peaceful re-assimilation into the society that is governed by the Constitutional principles is a desired blessing. They do start a life with new hopes. The case of ideologically hardcore leaders is different.
Bhupathi was considered an ideological and political brain of the Maoists. When he surrendered, it made national and international headlines. In an interview to ‘Newsbharati’ earlier this year, Bhupathi had made some interesting statements when he was asked about what made him abjure the Maoist path of violence and whether he had abandoned the Maoist ideology. “The situation has changed and ideology can not keep up. We had joined the ‘revolution’ for the people and hence grabbed the gun. Now, the situation has changed and hence we have left the gun and taken the Constitution in hand,” he had said.
Further, Bhupathi had added, “We will continue working for people, in accordance with the Constitution. We will take up issues of people and try to resolve those through lawful means. We will work on the Forest Rights Act, PESA Act, education rights, fundamental rights etc. We will work in whatever the capacity the Constitution permits. We may even contest elections, and participate in making laws. We wish to lead people towards an exploitation-free society, that is without discrimination on gender and such issues.”
This not-so-distant past gives enough reason to suggest the need for exercising caution while rehabilitating the surrendered Maoists, especially those with decades of ideological maturing. They must be rehabilitated in domains that do not directly offer opportunities for rights activism. They may be given employment opportunities in other domains.
Coming back to Gadchiroli, after decades of political neglect, it is now witnessing a stupendous industrial growth. Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd’s operations have transformed the economic landscape of the previously Maoist-affected district in a big way. Opportunities of direct and indirect employment as well as self-employment have opened up. Big industries like JSW and Tata Steel are taking a keen interest in Gadchiroli. Already, some concerns have erupted over land rights. The district is witnessing some activism in Gram Sabha and PESA Act spheres.
In such a situation, offering a job with a rights awareness profile to a former Maoist ideologue is bound to raise newer concerns. Agreed that his appointment is for a short duration and that too on contractual basis. But, for a seasoned ideologue with matured communication skills and experience of having worked in the area, such a job profile also offers an opportunity to revive old networks or to collect ground information in official capacity.
The Government might have thought about this, and could have roped Bhupathi in to counter the rising rights activism. In that case, intent is right. However, does good intent guarantee the desired outcome?
Bhupathi has been appointed on a contractual basis for three months. His main responsibilities, according to media reports, will be making the Gram Sabhas aware about their rights under the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act as well as under the Forest Rights Act. Under the Forest Rights Act, he will reportedly guide and help the tribal and traditional forest-dwelling applicants in completing the documentation required to file forest rights claims and coordinate with the administration regarding the submission of such applications. This may be in line with the Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy of Maharashtra Government. No one should object to rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists getting a chance at starting a new life.
But, there is a word of caution. Usually, the individuals who constituted the ground-level fighting force of the banned CPI (Maoist) tend to mend their ways after surrender and rehabilitation. They may start a family, get some employment, earn regular income, and settle wholeheartedly in life away from Maoist violence. Those who were trained under brutal Maoist military commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in an encounter a few months ago, may prove to be exceptions. However, for a large chunk of tribals who joined the Maoists when they were teenagers or under the influence of cultural troupes of the outlaws, peaceful re-assimilation into the society that is governed by the Constitutional principles is a desired blessing. They do start a life with new hopes. The case of ideologically hardcore leaders is different.
ALSO READ: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra: A Ram Bhakta Comes to Ayodhya to Serve Prabhu Ramchandra
Further, Bhupathi had added, “We will continue working for people, in accordance with the Constitution. We will take up issues of people and try to resolve those through lawful means. We will work on the Forest Rights Act, PESA Act, education rights, fundamental rights etc. We will work in whatever the capacity the Constitution permits. We may even contest elections, and participate in making laws. We wish to lead people towards an exploitation-free society, that is without discrimination on gender and such issues.”
The other senior surrendered Maoist leaders also had made similar statements: “We took guns for the people. Now also, after surrender, we will work for the people by being with them.” This left scope for interpretation that the surrendered Maoists had not left their ideology but had hinted at adoption of Constitutional methods to further their agenda by taking rights issues of people.
In a democracy, taking up causes linked to people’s rights is not an objectionable cause. But, a distinction must be maintained between rights advocacy and weaponizing such advocacy. Weaponisation of rights causes was what the Urban Maoists have been engaging in for years now. This led to the Government agencies, irrespective of the political party in power, taking action against some rights activists too.
This not-so-distant past gives enough reason to suggest the need for exercising caution while rehabilitating the surrendered Maoists, especially those with decades of ideological maturing. They must be rehabilitated in domains that do not directly offer opportunities for rights activism. They may be given employment opportunities in other domains.
ALSO READ: Disha Salian Case Puts Thackerays on Saline
In such a situation, offering a job with a rights awareness profile to a former Maoist ideologue is bound to raise newer concerns. Agreed that his appointment is for a short duration and that too on contractual basis. But, for a seasoned ideologue with matured communication skills and experience of having worked in the area, such a job profile also offers an opportunity to revive old networks or to collect ground information in official capacity.
The Government might have thought about this, and could have roped Bhupathi in to counter the rising rights activism. In that case, intent is right. However, does good intent guarantee the desired outcome?