On Raksha Bandhan, Bastar Fighters, women personnel of the DRG and surrendered women members tied rakhi to DRG jawans, sending a powerful message of trust, rehabilitation and a return to the mainstream.
Dantewada, Chhattisgarh: Raksha Bandhan in Dantewada this year carried a message far beyond the traditional bond between brothers and sisters. At the Police Lines Karli, Bastar Fighters, women personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and women who had surrendered from the Naxal movement tied rakhi to DRG personnel, celebrating the festival with a spirit of trust, brotherhood and renewed hope.
The event was held in the presence of Dantewada Superintendent of Police Chandra Mohan Singh and Additional Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Khute. Women personnel tied rakhi to their male colleagues and prayed for their good health, happiness and bright future. In return, the DRG personnel assured the women that they would stand by them and support their safety and well-being in every situation.
A Raksha Bandhan Marked by a New Beginning
The participation of surrendered women made the celebration particularly significant. For many of them, this was an opportunity to celebrate Raksha Bandhan after leaving behind a life associated with violence, fear and armed conflict.
By tying rakhi to DRG personnel, the surrendered women symbolically expressed a new relationship based on trust and mutual respect. The occasion also reflected the changing circumstances of people who have chosen to abandon violence and return to civilian life.
The participants exchanged sweets and shared the traditional spirit of Raksha Bandhan. The celebration became an occasion to reaffirm the values of protection, respect, cooperation and social harmony.
From the Path of Violence to the Mainstream
The event highlighted the importance of rehabilitation alongside security operations in areas affected by Naxal violence.
After surrendering, former Naxal members are being encouraged to rebuild their lives and become part of the social and economic mainstream. The administration and police are assisting surrendered individuals in obtaining essential documents and connecting them with government welfare schemes.
According to Additional SP Jitendra Kumar Khute, efforts have been made to provide surrendered persons with documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and bank accounts, enabling them to access government schemes and establish a more secure and independent life.
The objective, he said, is not merely to take people away from the path of violence but also to help them establish sustainable livelihoods through employment, education, economic opportunities and social security.
Government Rehabilitation Policy Providing Opportunities
The rehabilitation process has been supported by the Chhattisgarh government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. Security forces and the district administration have continued efforts to encourage people associated with the Naxal movement to abandon violence and return to society.
Officials said that several individuals, including women and members who had held positions of influence within the Naxal movement, have surrendered and chosen to rebuild their lives.
The administration is working to ensure that such individuals are not left isolated after surrender. Instead, efforts are being made to connect them with government programmes and opportunities that can help them live with dignity.
Raksha Bandhan Becomes a Symbol of Trust
The celebration in Dantewada presented a different picture of the region—one where people who once lived amid violence can now participate in social celebrations alongside security personnel.
For the surrendered women, the occasion was also emotionally significant. Leaving behind their previous lives and participating in a traditional festival with members of the security forces represented a step toward reconciliation, acceptance and a fresh beginning.
They expressed that rebuilding their lives had not been easy, but support from the police and administration had given them an opportunity to move forward. Being able to celebrate festivals with their families and live peacefully within society is, for them, an important symbol of change.
A Message of Peace and Rehabilitation
The Raksha Bandhan celebration at Police Lines Karli therefore became more than a customary festival. It conveyed a broader message that trust, rehabilitation and social integration can play an important role in bringing lasting change to regions affected by violence.
The rakhi tied on the wrists of DRG personnel symbolized a bond of protection, while the participation of surrendered women reflected their journey from conflict toward a peaceful and dignified life.
The event underlined the idea that those who leave the path of violence and choose to return to the mainstream can be given opportunities to start afresh—with the support of the administration, security forces and society.
