Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa, on Tuesday, suggested to the State government to convene a meeting of the elected representatives from the naxal-affected regions in the State to work out a package of facilities such as housing, roads, drinking water, among others, to bring them to the mainstream.
He was making his points to a question raised by Sunil Kumar (BJP) during question hour. Mr. Kumar wanted to know from the Home Minister, K.J. George the status of government's special package in connection with the naxal surrender. When Mr. George stated that a sum of Rs. five lakh would be given to the naxal who would surrender--of which half the sum would be grant and rest loan. Apart from this, a sum of Rs. 5,000 would be provided as assistance every month.
BJP members R. Ashoka, D.N. Jeevaraj and K.G. Bopaiah wanted more clarity on the issue while Mr. George brushed aside the points made by Mr. Jeevaraj that naxal sympathisers were included in the committee constituted by the government to negotiate terms with the naxlas. The Minister said that a sum of Rs. 13 crore had been spent on refurbishing the anti-naxal camps in the State since the Congress assumed power.
Tribal improvement was being resorted to with special focus on recruiting tribal youth to induct them into police force though they did not qualify adequately with respect to physical conditions. Rules were being relaxed for the purpose, Mr. George said.
To a question as to who were classified under category A and who under category B, Mr. George replied that hardcore naxals who had gone underground and had criminal cases booked against them were under category A and sympathisers, informants were under the latter category.
Leader of Opposition, Jagadish Shettar suggested to the government to make the naxal surrender a time-bound issue while Mr. Ashok wanted the Home Minister himself to head a committee to look into the matter.
