The policy of rehabilitating left-wing extremists who surrender to security forces in West Bengal's Maoist-affected Jangalmahal area was initiated with the distribution of leaflets on Sunday, less than a week after the amnesty scheme was notified by the State government.
“We distributed leaflets containing information about the package in certain areas today and are hopeful of getting some response from Maoists soon,” Praveen Tripathi, Jhargram Superintendent of Police, told The Hindu .
Leaflets were distributed in Jhargram, Binpur, Belpahari and Manikpara, which are the areas of focus as of now, Mr. Tripathi added.
“When a Maoist surrenders to security forces, a Rs.1.5 lakh fixed deposit will be set aside for him for a period of three years. There will be no cash payments,” he said.
After the three-year period is over, a screening committee that will oversee the rehabilitation process will review the case and attest that the behaviour of the surrendered person has been good, after which the amount will be handed over to him, Mr. Tripathi said.
Headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director-General, the committee will include an officer of the rank of Inspector-General from the paramilitary services and Deputy Inspectors-General of every organisation operating in Maoist-affected areas, he added.
‘This is the right time'
“This is the right time for the rehabilitation package to be introduced here as some of the locals have begun cooperating with the police. The success of the scheme will depend on how the police implement it and ensure support from the people,” said Manoj Verma, Superintendent of Police of Paschim Medinipur district.
He said the police had received feelers from some Maoist cadres about their desire to return to mainstream society, and at the same time, villagers had begun sharing useful information about the whereabouts of the rebels.
