‘Some worked as gunners’: From carrying rifles to walking the ramp, surrendered Naxal women from Sukma tell their story
Sukma's Naxal Women: From Gunners to Ramp Walkers
Bharatmorningnews.com – Nine former Naxal women from Sukma district have transformed their lives from forest fighters to fashion icons. These brave women, who once carried INSAS rifles through the dense Bastar jungles, now confidently walk the ramp in traditional sarees. Their journey from militant life to mainstream society represents a remarkable chapter in India's rehabilitation success story.
Walking the Ramp with Pride
The fashion show, organized during National Handloom Day celebrations in Raipur, showcased these surrendered women in all their glory. Participants displayed heirloom sarees with classic patterns, paired with silver waist belts, traditional jhumka earrings, and sturdy boots. Beyond fashion, they actively promoted Swadeshi merchandise throughout the event, demonstrating their commitment to indigenous products.
This initiative forms part of broader rehabilitation efforts aimed at reintegrating ex-Naxalites into mainstream society. The women, who surrendered approximately six months prior to the event, received intensive six-day training led by instructors from Mumbai. Several distinguished ministers also attended the training program, highlighting its significance.
Voices from the Forest
Poonam Devi shared her personal journey with pride. She joined the Naxalite movement in November 2007 and formally surrendered on July 12, 2025. Her story reflects the hopes of many women who left behind armed struggle for peaceful lives.
"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.
Another surrendered woman, who previously served with the Pamed Area Committee, recalled the Raipur experience vividly. She surrendered in 2026 and described the training as a life-changing experience.
"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.
Diverse Roles and Contributions
Sukma SP Mayank Gurjar revealed the diverse roles these women played in the Naxal organization. Some worked in the Pamed Area Committee, while others served as gunners protecting senior commanders in Battalion Number 1. One woman even worked as a school teacher, showcasing the variety of skills they possessed.
"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.
Rehabilitation Benefits and Future Prospects
The fashion show participation exemplifies the advantages extended to surrendered Naxalites under rehabilitation frameworks established by both the Central Government and the Chhattisgarh State Government. These benefits include financial assistance, skill development programs, and social reintegration support.
Their presence at the fashion show demonstrates a significant shift in perspective and increasing confidence in governmental rehabilitation measures. As Gurjar noted, these women are now actively championing indigenous products while honing their creative abilities.
"They are now actively promoting Swadeshi products and refining their artistic skills," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rehabilitation benefits do surrendered Naxal women receive?
Surrendered Naxal women receive financial assistance, skill development programs, housing support, and social reintegration benefits under both Central and Chhattisgarh State Government schemes.
When did Poonam Devi surrender from the Naxal movement?
Poonam Devi formally surrendered on July 12, 2025, after joining the Naxalite movement in November 2007.
What roles did the nine women play in the Naxal organization?
The nine women served in various capacities including Pamed Area Committee members, gunners for Battalion Number 1 commanders, and one even worked as a school teacher.
Where was the fashion show organized for surrendered Naxal women?
The fashion show was organized in Raipur during National Handloom Day celebrations, showcasing these women's transformation from forest fighters to ramp walkers.