New surrender policy for Maoists being worked out

To motivate Maoists to return to the mainstream, the government is contemplating a new uniform surrender policy for all states offering Rs 1.5 lakh to anyone who comes over ground and an additional Rs 1.5 lakh for laying down an automatic rifle.

The issue was discussed threadbare at a meeting of senior officials of the home ministry and representatives of nine Maoist-affected states in New Delhi on Friday.

Currently, state governments follow different surrender policies and packages that include financial incentives varying from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for each arms surrendered, depending on its make.

A stipend of Rs 2,000 every month will also be given to surrendered Naxals for three years before he or she finds own livelihood.

A policy announced by the home ministry last year offers incentive of Rs 15,000 for each deposited AK 47/56/74 rifle, Rs 25,000 for each rocket propelled grenade/sniper rifle and Rs 3,000 for each pistol or revolver.

"There is a need to review the existing surrender policy with bigger financial incentives. States have been asked to enhance the money while the Centre will also provide funds. We want an uniformity for all states," an official said.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of offering Rs 5 lakh to anyone laying down a light machine gun and Rs 3 lakh to those depositing an AK-47 rifle.

Naxal violence has been reported in areas falling under 270 police stations in 64 districts in nine states.

The level of violence in left wing extremism-affected states is still high, with 447 civilians and 142 security personnel having been killed in 2011.