Police play host for marriage of ex-naxals in Chhattisgarh

Former naxals Podiyami Laxman and Markam tied the knot in presence of government officials and people from various walks of life in Jagdalpur with the local police turning into revellers for the ceremony as wished by the couple.
"The newly-married couple who had surrendered earlier were also appointed as constables in district police," Bastar Superintendent of Police R N Das said today.
The marriage was held in a traditional manner at a ceremony on Gandhi Ground yesterday and attended by officials from police, administration and common people.
"The order to appoint them as constables in district police force was issued today. Earlier, Bastar Range IG SRP Kalluri had assessed the possibility of inducting the duo into police force," Das said.

He referred to a provision under which state government can offer job to naxals who have laid down arms and joined the mainstream.
Markam had worked as a member of the Platoon no. 26 of Darbha Division Committee before she turned herself in before police last year. Laxman, who served as a deputy commander of Indravati Area Committee, had laid down arms in 2014.

The marriage could be made possible with the 'Samajik Ekta Manch', an NGO, bearing the expenses for the bride Markam while police have taken Laxman under their wings.
Laxman and Markam, who were staying in a camp under police protection, had expressed their desire to tie the knot in presence of police.

Their love blossomed while they were working as Naxal cadres, but they could not muster courage to express their love or get married as it is forbidden for ultras.
"The Naxal cadres are not allowed to marry and if anybody defies this diktat, he is forcibly sterilised," the officer had said.