"It was the first time we did something like that...": Former Naxalites celebrate participation in Raipur Fashion Show
Sukma, August 14
Former women Naxalites who once carried weapons in the forests of Bastar recently walked the ramp at a National Handloom Day event in Raipur, showcasing handloom outfits after surrendering and joining the mainstream.
Nine surrendered women from Sukma participated in the Swadeshi fashion show as part of rehabilitation efforts for former Naxalites. According to Sukma SP Mayank Gurjar, the women also helped spread awareness about Swadeshi products during the event.
A surrendered Naxalite who said she had worked with the Pamed Area Committee recalled their experience in Raipur, where the participants underwent six days of training.
"I used to work in the Pamed Area Committee. I surrendered in 2026. We went to Raipur recently. There, we were trained by people who had come from Bombay...prominent ministers also came. The training was of six days...it was the first time we did something like that...we enjoyed it," the former Naxalite said.
Another surrendered Naxalite, Poonam Devi, said she surrendered on July 12, 2025, after joining the Naxalite movement in November 2007.
"I surrendered on July 12, 2025. I liked the program...we were trained for it...I joined the Naxals in November 2007 and left in 2025," she said.
SP Mayank Gurjar said the participation was part of the benefits being provided to surrendered Naxalites under the rehabilitation policies of the Government of India and the Chhattisgarh Government.
"As you all know, through the rehabilitation policy of the Government of India and the Chhattisgarh Government, various benefits and advantages are being provided to surrendered Naxalites. In that context, on National Handloom Day, nine surrendered women who had surrendered in Sukma participated in a Swadeshi fashion show," he said.
He added that the event demonstrated how people from tribal communities in Naxal-affected areas were getting opportunities to participate in activities outside their previous lives.
According to the SP, the nine women had held different roles within the Naxal organisation. Some had worked in the Pamed Area Committee, while others had served as gunners for major Naxalite commanders in Battalion Number 1.
"Among the nine surrendered women, some were working in the Pamed Area Committee. Some worked as gunners for major Naxalite commanders in Battalion Number 1. One of the surrendered women Naxalites was working as a teacher in a school," Gurjar said.
He said the women had previously carried weapons, with one having carried an INSAS rifle, and had surrendered about six months earlier. Gurjar said their participation in the fashion show reflected a change in their outlook and growing trust in the government's rehabilitation policy.
"They are now actively promoting Swadeshi products and refining their artistic skills," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartwarming to see them embracing a new life, but I wonder - are we addressing the root causes that pushed them into Naxalism in the first place? Education and employment opportunities in Bastar need more focus. Just a thought.
Six days of training in Raipur and suddenly they're fashion models? I'm happy for these women, genuinely. But let's not pretend a fashion show solves years of insurgency. Need more such initiatives - skill development, education for their children, and long-term support.
Proud moment for Chhattisgarh! Promoting handloom and rehabilitating former Naxalites in one go - that's smart policy. The fact that they enjoyed it and felt comfortable shows the human touch in this programme. Hope more women come forward.
Interesting move by the SP. But I worry about the optics - fashion shows make for good headlines, but what about mental health support, counselling, and community acceptance when they return to their villages? That's where the real battle lies.
As a woman, I can only imagine the courage it takes to leave behind everything and start over. These women walked the ramp but really, they're walking towards a new life. Salute to their spirit and to the authorities for making this possible. 🙏
M Manish T