Love in the Time of Maoism

Shubham Pandey, 11th June 2021

Raju left school in 2013 to join the Naxal movement. It was hardly by free choice, as his fate had already been decided by the “village elders” (as he called them) who had some sort of a deal with the Naxalites under which they were to supply the Naxalites with fresh volunteers. Raju was chosen to join as a part of this batch of volunteers. However, while working for the Naxals, he eloped with a lady. He did not provide any details about this. This was frowned upon by the Naxal cadre, who came looking for him at night, presumably to kill him. He managed to run away, and surrendered to the police. A few months later, in February 2020, he married the lady. While he was not asked to leave the village, he did so of his own accord out of fear for his life. His parents, living in the village, are constantly harassed by the Naxalites, who keep threatening to throw them out of the village. He now works with the police and gets paid Rs 10,000 a month. He was also promised an additional Rs 10,000 for surrendering, which he says has not been paid yet. He has also not been given a house to live in by the government, and has to rent a place and pay out of his own pocket. He says that the surrendered Naxals in another district have been given accommodations. Despite his love marriage, Raju is unhappy with his condition right now, as he has no way of visiting the rest of his family, or ensuring their safety. It seems he also feels his life has become more dull after surrendering. When asked about his life after surrender, he quoted, “Mann nahi lagta.”  Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on whatsapp WhatsApp