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State reaches out to rebels again by Suman K Shrivastava

The Jharkhand government has appealed to Maoist rebels to make a fresh beginning in the New Year by surrendering to the rule of law, as it responded to feelers from a section of cadres, but did not promise any let-up in ongoing anti-rebel operations.

The government gave a month’s time to active members of CPI(Maoist) to return to the mainstream, through an advertisement in local dailies on December 31.

In the public notice, the government made a sentimental appeal, stating that a true Jharkhandi would never like to be associated with people who kill fellow villagers, blow up schools and exploit women.

“Some Maoist leaders are misguiding the people to serve their personal interests and pitching poor tribals against each other,” the advertisement said.

The notice also had on display the rehabilitation package a rebel was entitled if they gave themselves up under the state’s surrender policy approved in February 2009.

Around 21 Maoists had surrendered and were at present lodged in Birsa Munda Central Jail following a call by the then DGP Neyaz Ahmed under Operation Nayi Dishayen in 2010.

However, even as it asked the rebels to surrender, the state did not commit to any let- up in operations against Maoists. Director-general of police G.S. Rath said a month’s deadline did not mean that the forces would slow down operations against the Naxalites. “They can’t be given time for an indefinite period,” he said.

Explaining the reasons behind the renewed appeal, home secretary J.B. Tubid said the state had received feelers that a large number of Maoists wanted to surrender, particularly in Ranchi and Khunti, but they were being threatened by their leaders. “So, we gave them a month to avail the opportunity and join the mainstream,” he reasoned.

He added that the public appeal had evoked a good response so far, but would not reveal any figures.

The components of the surrender package include an initial grant of Rs 2.5 lakh. The rebels stand to gain an additional Rs 1 lakh if they surrendered with weapons.

For example, a rocket launcher will fetch Rs 1 lakh; AK and sniper rifles Rs 75,000; .303 rifle/pistol/revolver Rs 15,000; remote-controlled devices Rs 6,000; grenade/hand grenades Rs 2,000; wireless sets Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000, depending on range, IEDs Rs 6,000 and a kg of explosives Rs 2,000.

The surrendered rebels are also eligible for Rs 3,000 a month for a year for vocational training. They will also get land and Rs 50,000 for constructing a house. A surrendered extremist is also entitled to get the entire award money declared for their capture by the state.

In that case, a politburo member stands to get Rs 12 lakh, a regional/special area committee member/state committee member Rs 10 lakh, an alternate central special area committee member Rs 8 lakh, a regional committee member Rs 7 lakh, a zonal committee member Rs 5 lakh, a sub-zonal committee member Rs 3 lakh, an area commander Rs 2 lakh, a squad commander Rs 1 lakh and a squad member Rs 30,000.

The policy provides for free medical help for former rebels and grants for marrying off their daughters.

Under the package, if the surrendered rebels are killed by the Maoists, the government will give Rs 1 lakh as grant to their next of kin along with a government job. It will also facilitate bank loans of Rs 2 lakh for self employment.

However, the state government has drawn flak from surrendered Maoists, including Kundan Pahan aide Marshal Tuti, who surrendered in 2010, for not keeping its promises.

But the home secretary said except for giving land, the surrendered rebels were provided everything promised.

“The state government is not supposed to locate the land. In fact, the surrendered rebels had to locate the land where they could reside safely. Some of them have given land proposals which we are processing,” Tubid said.