In yet another strategy to counter Maoists, the Centre has asked all Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected States to offer reverse sterilisation procedure to surrendered Naxals so that they can return to normal family life.
Forced sterilisation of lower cadres of Maoists has been in practice for years. This is done to keep the cadres battle-fit and also to keep them away from family life so that they can remain committed to the Maoist cause. But now the Ministry of Home Affairs has written to all the nine LWE-hit States asking them to facilitate reverse vasectomy operations of willing Maoist cadres and also bear the medical costs so that they can lead normal family life and have children.
“No rehabilitation is complete if Maoist cadres cannot return to normal family life and have children. Hence, there is a need to ascertain the status of the surrendered or arrested Maoist cadres, and wherever necessary facilitate their return to normal family life. This process will also reduce the temptation of the cadres to return to Maoist fold,” the MHA said in its communication to the State governments concerned.
“State governments should consider facilitating vasectomy reversal operations of willing Maoists. Since most sterilisation surgeries are conducted in a crude manner by local quacks, if the reversal operation has to be done in a higher medical centre, the government should bear the costs,” it said.
Forced vasectomy has led some Maoist cadre to surrender, especially in Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand. Recently, two surrendered Maoists had undergone successful vasectomy reversal surgery in Chhattisgarh.
Call to States
Asking the State governments to give the campaign utmost importance and inform the Maoist cadres that vasectomy is reversible, the letter said: “This matter may be given due attention and the district administration may be suitably sensitised in this regard so that the issue is addressed with sensitivity. It is suggested that the names and addresses of those who avail this option not be disclosed.”
