Govt asks naxals to give up; offers three-day truce

Says it will halt operations against them to facilitate surrender

The State government on Thursday promised to halt anti-naxal operations for three days in the forest areas of Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, if the ultras surrendered with their arms and ammunition. 

The government also promised to extend the naxal surrender package to bring them to the mainstream.

In a hurriedly convened press conference, Director General and Inspector General of Police, Shankar Bidari, read out a message for the naxals saying: “Currently, anti-naxal operations are in full swing. Hence, I do not want any untoward incidents to occur. I will stop the anti-naxal operation for a maximum period of three days in the areas suggested by you, if you give me a list of those involved in naxal activities and are ready to surrender before the police with arms.

I will ensure no untoward incident takes place during your surrender.”

He went on to say: “I request you to give me the list of naxals willing to surrender at the earliest. I will assure that we will inform you about the place where you can surrender with arms within 24 hours after I receive the list. I hope you will utilise this opportunity to come to the mainstream and lead a respectful life.”

While saying that he was speaking on behalf of the government, the officer said: “The chief minister has sympathy for you and has the desire to bring you to the mainstream and help you lead a respectful life. I have discussed, in detail, your surrender issue with your well-wishers. I have also talked to them about your problems and concerns. You can verify this with your well-wishers. I am prepared to receive you on behalf of the government when you give up the violent means and surrender with arms. I assure to provide all facilities that the government gives under naxal surrender package as early as possible. I am also ready to find solutions for your other problems.”

Bidari, however, refused  to take any questions and said: “Whatever I had to say I have said in writing. I don’t want to speak a word beyond that.”

He refused to detail as to what drove the government to make the announcement or if it was a warning for the naxals before a major operation.

“The matter is very sensitive and hence, I don’t want to say anything further,”he added.

The package 

The State government passed an order on June 19, 2010, specifying the procedure for surrender of Naxals and their rehabilitation package.

A naxal willing to surrender will be paid Rs two lakh or the prize amount declared by the government for catching him/her or whichever is less, Rs 2,000 training allowance per month if he/she decides to hone skills in the areas of his/her interest up to one year, same help to complete formal education up to two years. He/she can apply seeking land if he/she fulfills the eligibility conditions. 

There are other incentives as well for surrendering arms or other gadgets. An amount of Rs 15,000 each per AK 47/56/74/rifle, Rs 25,000 each for UMG/GPM/RP/sniper rifle, Rs 3,000 for each per pistol/revolver, Rs 1,000 per rocket, Rs 500 per grenade, Rs 3,000 per remote control set, Rs three per bullet, Rs 1,000 per IED, Rs 3,000 for explosive bullets, Rs 1,000 per kg of explosives, Rs 1,000 per wireless set (limited range), Rs 5,000 per wireless set (larger range), Rs 20,000 for SAM missiles, Rs 10,000 for satellite telephone, Rs 5,000 for VHF/HF communication sets, Rs 50 per electronic set and Rs 10 for other explosives.

The government can also consider additional incentives for them. They are also eligible to enjoy facilities under Ashraya scheme.