They organise children between ages six and 12 into 'bal sangams' (children's associations), indoctrinating, training, and using them as informers.
Typically, children above the age of 12 are recruited into other Naxalite ranks and trained in the use of rifles, landmines, and improvised explosive devices.
Children in Naxalite 'dalams' (armed guerrilla squads) are involved in armed exchanges with government security forces. Even those children who are not part of dalams are at high risk, as evidenced by an SPO who said he was instructed to open fire on a group of children, believing them to be a Naxalite street theater troupe.
Children, who desert Naxalite ranks and surrender to the police seeking protection, find themselves in a vicious cycle. Not only are they subject to brutal reprisals by Naxalites, but they may be re-recruited as informers or SPOs by the Chhattisgarh police, under the garb of 'rehabilitation for surrendered Naxalites'.
Image: According to the HRW, the conflict has had an adverse impact on children's education.
Also read: 'Unification is the only way to advance the cause of the Indian revolution'
Advertisement
