Urvi Shah, 11th June 2021
Working in the Jan Militia group of the Naxal insurgency for over 5 years, AmirKeshav was at his wits end. Plagued by crippling mental-health and a dwindling sense of security, he decided to deviate from this line of work in 2020 and surrender to the police. He did not know what would be the repercussions of his departure, but he knew he wasn’t destined for a life bound by violence. Keshav still does not know exactly how or when he got involved with the naxalites. In fact, he says that a majority of individuals don't even realize that they are working with the Naxals as they are manipulated into executing tasks assigned to them, while remaining oblivious to the fact that they’re working for them. Keshav identified himself as an ex-member of the Jan Militia, a 12,000 strong team dubbed as the ‘spine’
of the Naxals. The group works toward gathering intelligence, propagating their ideology, and brainwashing unsuspecting individuals into joining their union. Keshav claims he contributed toward this movement by conducting recces in and around the forest-area, selecting a suitable spot to perform a ‘ghatna’, assembling bombs, positioning explosives, and other similar tasks. "When I realised that I’d struck an alliance with them, I concluded that I’d withdraw
from the situation, and surrender myself to the government. It was the only way," says Keshav. Ever since he surrendered in July 2020, he has witnessed an immense improvement in his mental-health. He now works in the District Reserve Group at Dantewada and his duty involves regulating rallies, processions, chakka-jams, large-scale events, and managing traffic. In a tone that can only be interpreted as relief, he discusses his
newly-attained status in life. "I feel quite content...Financially, I’m earning enough to sustain myself and my family. I talk to them frequently. Sometimes, they travel to Dantewada to see me. Usually, I evade the idea of visiting the village. The government has extended to me a comfortable accommodation. I’m grateful that I was offered an opportunity to switch paths. Back when I was in the village, I wasn’t paid a penny for the tasks I was assigned. None of us were. I wonder how I subsisted," he reflected. Keshav’s family comprises eight/nine members, including his wife and child. Presently, they don’t receive any threats from the Naxals. Keshav believes it’s because they haven’t inquired after him yet. It’s inevitable, he says, that the Naxalites launch an investigation, and attempt to track him and his family down. ‘All the people that surrendered before me are living in fear. Their families are reeling from an acute lack of protection. The village-committee will ask about me soon. But for now, we haven’t received any threats, and I’m assuming it is because I surrendered just a few months ago. Even then, I cannot predict the future. It was my fault. Why should my family suffer the consequences?" he asks. Fortunately, no Jan Adaalat was conducted against Keshav; however, he confesses to the existence of the practice in his village. He’s a little uncertain about what the future holds for him and his family. He thinks it’d be ideal if he continued residing in Dantewada hopes he can bring his family here. Now that he has stumbled upon a whisper of hope in life, we hope he finds safety in his pursuits, and pray his family encounters no predicaments in the future. Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on whatsapp WhatsApp