Winds of Change : Maoists Shunning Violence To Join Mainstream

Malkanagiri: The winds of change have started bringing in good news. Once touted as the hot bed of Maoist activities, the interior areas of Malkanagiri District are today witnessing a positive changeover. With proactive support from the government, Maoists today want to join the mainstream and live a normal life. While a number of former Maoists have abandoned their violent past to join the society, the incidents of Maoist activities have also come down.

The lives of Rama Madkami and Bhima Madhi, who were once in the list of hardcore Maoists and carried rewards on their names, can be seen as the examples of the changing scenario.

The former maoist duo have started a new life shunning the past and today they have become good samaritans who do not want violence and bloodshed. Rama and Bhima are now living a proud life with their small tea shop near Malkanagiri town. They have successfully transformed themselves into good citizens. Their coming back to the mainstream indicates a positive change that is being seen in many areas of the interior cut-off places that were once the hotbeds of maoist activity. People now cherish tea along with the snacks prepared by the former gorillas.

The duo had their own lows when they were actively involved in the outlawed group. Trapped in the falce principles of violence they were involved in a number of violent acts in the border areas of Odisha. While Bhima was involved in many violent acts and had four lakh rupees on his head, Dinesh was an active member of the rebel outfit from 2012 to 2015 and carried a prize money of Rs 3 lakh on his head.

Understanding the myth behind violence and fed up with the betrayal of the leaders, both wanted to come back to the mainstream and live a decent life. The administration has also helped them a lot in bringing them back to normal life.