Women cadres shedding traditional roles in LWE areas

RAIPUR: Women in naxal cadres are being recruited more for military operations in Bastar Maoist-hotbed as against the general perception of their role as cooks, motivators and shields, according to recent findings by the state police.

The women cadres are also being given equal chance in decision making at special zonal committee rung of outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist).

"Women cadres are actively participating in military operations in large number as compared to their male counterparts. It has been clearly witnessed in recent attacks (Jiram valley attack on Congress convoy) carried by Maoists," Inspector General, Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) and anti-naxal operation, R P Kalluri told PTI.

"Women cadres are generally more brutal and ferocious. We cannot rule out their increasing numbers in the movement in Bastar. We have to psychologically deal with the issue," Kalluri said.

Intelligence inputs suggest the number of women cadres has significantly increased in the past two years in Bastar region, considered as country's worst naxal-hit area, and apparently in other states as well.

In 2010, women constituted around 40 per cent of the Naxal cadre which increased to 60 per cent in the beginning of this year. Chhattisgarh leads among naxal-hit states where recruitment of women cadre is higher.

"Women were only recruited to assist men or for ordinary tasks. But now the scenario has changed. With most of the men rebels quitting the movement, it has prompted the Maoist leaders to alter their recruitment strategy. They are giving more preference to females," an IB official said on condition of anonymity.