Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], November 22 (HBTV): As Naxal cadres continue to surrender across Chhattisgarh, former Naxal Gandhi Tate, also known as Kamlesh or Arab, has appealed to those still active in the movement to lay down arms, saying they are far from achieving their objectives.
‘The main reason why I left the party was that the organisation would cease to exist because of the 2026 deadline set by the Central and State governments. As part of this, the government has introduced a rehabilitation scheme for all who surrender. Those who surrender have been promised land, a cash reward, and the chance to live peacefully. I want all remaining Naxals to surrender because we are nowhere close to our aim, and we will not be able to achieve it because of the government’s policies,’ Tate, who surrendered in Narayanpur, told ANI.
He said that despite nearly two decades in the organisation, its promises were never fulfilled.
‘In the party, ideas written on paper were never implemented, such as strengthening the organisation in various areas. We were confined to forests. We were nowhere near our aim… I joined Naxalism in 2005. There were many limitations within the organisation, like prohibiting our children from going to school and not allowing us to have a mobile phone. We were kept away from basic facilities and necessities,’ he said.
Another surrendered Naxalite, Suklal Jurri, also known as Dr Suklal, said he joined the organisation in 2006 and worked as a medical practitioner and Divisional Committee (DVC) Member in the Marh Division before surrendering earlier this year.
Speaking to ANI, Suklal said, ‘I surrendered on 20 August 2025 before the Narayanpur SP. I joined the Naxal organisation in May 2006. I was taught medical practice in the forests by Naxalites. Back when I was a student, I was inclined towards medicine, which helped me learn it quickly inside the organisation.’
He added that his medical duties included performing procedures within the group. ‘As a doctor, I sterilised 10–15 people as per their wish. I worked as a DVC member of the Marh Division,’ he said.
Currently, 110 surrendered Naxals — including 52 women and 58 men between 18 and 50 years of age — are undergoing vocational training courses as they work toward rebuilding their lives. All of them surrendered within the last two months. (ANI)