Govt drafts package for Naxals' surrender

MUMBAI: In response to the continuingviolence in the Naxal-dominated districts of the state, the government hasdrafted a policy offering a comprehensive package for rebels laying down theirarms.Senior officials told TNN that the benefits being offered included alife insurance policy, housing under the Indira Awaas Yojana, jobs under thePrime Minister’s Employment Scheme, monetary incentives forself-employment and cash rewards up to Rs 50,000. The policy will be implementedin Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia, Yavatmal and Nanded districts whichhave been described as “Naxal-prone.’’ Intelligence reportssay that Gadchiroli has been completely taken over by the Naxalites and thegovernment has sought satellite surveillance to track down their training campsand movements.The government hopes to counter the violence by invitingNaxalites to join the mainstream. It is learnt the governent will offer Rs50,000 to any Naxalite who surrenders with a rocket launcher, Rs 30,000 forthose with AK-series rifles, Rs 15,000 for those laying down a 9 mm carbine or a7.62 mm self-loading rifle and Rs 6,000 for those laying down 0.303 rifles,pistols and revolvers.Amounts ranging between Rs 1,000 to Rs 6,000 will bepaid to those surrendering with remote controlled devices, rockets, explosives,granades and wireless sets. But the government will not withdraw any criminalcases pending against any Naxal. The surrender should take place before thedistrict superintendent of police, his deputy or even the police stationincharge but intelligence agencies would then have to confirm that the Naxaliteis doing so of his own free will and is not a mole in the official circles. Ifthe activities of a Naxalite, who has surrendered, are found to be suspiciouslater on, the government will withdraw all facilities extended to him orher.The government has also decided to woo the tribals by providing moredrinking water facilities, schools, primary health centres, jobs and a greaterinvolvement of Zilla Parishad and gram panchayats in developmental activities.The special operations plan costing Rs 733 crore has been provided for thesame.As part of its multi-pronged strategy to counter the Naxal movement,the government posts all directly recruited officers to the Naxal-prone districtfirst for a period of three years. After satisfactory completion of this period,the officers are given an increment and posted to a place of choice. A proposalto post freshly promoted officers under the age of 50 years to this region isalso being considered.