THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of the rehabilitation of Lijesh, a Maoist who surrendered in Wayanad last year, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan handed over a check of Rs 3,94,000 to him. Apart from this, as part of the rehabilitation project, a house for him will be constructed in Ernakulam district under the Life project. The CM also handed over the keys of a rented house to stay till the works of the house are completed. The district-level rehabilitation committee chaired by the Wayanad District Collector had recommended providing housing, employment, stipend and other livelihood to rehabilitate 37-year-old LIjeesh, a Maoist who had given up armed struggle and surrendered. The action was taken after the state police chief requested the government to take necessary action accordingly.

Born in Amarakkunni near Pulpally in Wayanad, Lijesh moved to Virajpetta with his mother and parents when he was five years old due to financial difficulties. Lijesh studied till the fourth class and later became part of the organization under the influence of Maoist members. After a long period of activity in the Maoist organization, Lijesh realized its futility. He then came to know about the government's Maoist surrender policy and surrendered before the Wayanad district police chief on October 25 last year.

The state government has prepared a package in 2018 to provide housing, employment, stipend and livelihood assistance to rehabilitate Maoists who have left the armed struggle and returned to the mainstream. Surrendering Maoists will benefit from the package. Interested Maoists can contact the district police chiefs or any government offices or local bodies.