Rizwana Begum and Parashuram, the couple who joined the mainstream after breaking away from the naxal movement in November 2016, are now appealing to the State government for a relief package.
They had refused monetary help when they surrendered in Chikkamagaluru. But since then, they have found the going tough, especially in fighting legal cases that are dragging on. It is the policy of the government to encourage left-wing extremists to give up arms comes with a relief package, depending on their past.
The couple, who have two daughters and currently live in Bengaluru, have submitted pleas for relief — cash and a plot of land — as they have difficulty juggling court matters and fulfilling family obligations.
“A year ago, we did not find the relief package necessary and thought we can manage on our own. The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police had offered us the package as per government norms, but we told them we would get back to them, if necessary,” said Mr. Parashuram, who works as a driver. Ms. Rizwana takes up tailoring work at home.
She got bail only after spending about six months in prison after she joined the mainstream.
The tough part is having to attend court hearings in Raichur, Sringeri, and Chikkamagaluru. “At least once in two months, I have to visit all three places to appear before the court. On such days, my husband has to take leave and be with the children. I work at home and earn a little. The earnings have been meagre compared to our expenses. This is why we decided to seek government’s help,” said Ms. Rizwana. Her husband added, “We were under the impression that court matters would be settled as soon as the government assured us that it would withdraw the cases. But the cases have not been withdrawn.”
Mr. Parashuram has submitted a plea for suitable land to cultivate. The Chikkamagaluru district administration has considered the request. “We have received the request and forwarded it to the government. The matter will be resolved in the next meeting of the State committee appointed to implement the policy encouraging left-wing extremists,” said K. Annamalai, Superintendent of Police, Chikkamagaluru district, adding.“Those who return to the mainstream have to face the cases; the policy is clear on this issue.”
The district administration has also written to Deputy Commissioners of Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts to identify agricultural land in their respective districts and allot the same to Mr. Parashuram.
The Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Rural district has written to the tahsildar of Devanahalli to look for suitable land.
Since 2014, nine Maoists have returned to the mainstream, with a revision in the policy.
From among them, only Rizwana and Parashuram have sought the relief package.
