‘Maoists can talk, but murder is a criminal offence'

After a recent incident in Paschim Medinipur in which two were killed in Naxal violence

Mamata Banerjee

Expressing concern over Maoists again assembling in certain areas of West Bengal, intimidating people and even resorting to violence, which recently claimed the lives of two people in Paschim Medinipur district, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said here on Thursday that she still believed good sense would prevail on them.

“They can talk, discuss, negotiate, but murder is a criminal offence,” she said even as she welcomed those among them who wanted to return to the national mainstream. “None has the right to murder,” she emphasised.

Compensation

The Chief Minister announced that her government would provide a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh to each of the families of the civilians whose kin were killed in Maoist attacks to be supplemented with the Rs. 3 lakh financial assistance available from the Centre.

“It will be given to those either murdered in attacks by Maoists or while resisting them,” she said.

“Besides this package for civilian families, we are also considering providing either a government job to a member or a monthly pension,” Ms. Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister recalled that she had announced a rehabilitation and financial package for those Maoists who decided to lay down their arms and joined the national mainstream.

Earlier this month, she said that a fixed deposit account of Rs 1.5 lakh would be opened in banks in the names of those who surrendered, which could be withdrawn only after three years, that they would be provided a monthly stipend of Rs. 2000 for three years, paid between Rs. 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh for laying down arms — depending on the type of weapon besides being provided jobs — training facilities and opportunities for self-employment.

Her government was working towards solving the problem of left-wing extremism through development and pursuing the peace process, Ms Banerjee said. “I do not believe in the politics of killing,” she added.

Development schemes

Various development schemes were being initiated in the Jangalmahal region in the southwest of the State that was affected by Maoist activity in recent times, she said. They include augmenting drinking water supplies, ensuring food supplies, setting up industry and constructing roads.

The State government would issue a notification on September 10 for recruitment for 10,000 posts in the Jangalmahal region in the constable rank and as home-guards. “Priority in employment will be given to tribals among the local youth,” she said.