Naxals to get reward for surrendered arms too : Andhra to implement centre's policy

U Sudhakar Reddy
The state government has decided to implement the Centre's amended policy of Maoists surrender and rehabilitation.
As part of the amended policy, cash rewards will be given for weapons and ammunition surrendered by the Maoists apart from the reward they carry on their heads.
If a Maoists gives up an AK-47 or AK-56, he will be given Rs 15,000 apart from the reward on his head. A pistol or revolver will fetch him Rs 3,000 while a rocket will make him richer by Rs 1,000.
Similarly, the government will give a Maoists Rs 500 for surrendering a grenade and Rs 3 for a round of ammunition.
For an improvised explosive device, a Maoists will get Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 for mines. A satellite phone will fetch him Rs 10,000 while a VHF communication set will earn him Rs 5,000. Any Maoist who lays down a UMG or a sniper rifle will get Rs 25,000.
However, this incentive will be kept in the form of a fixed deposit in the name of surrendered Maoists and the state government nominee.The Maoists will get the amount only after three years of surrendering, subject to good behaviour.
The surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy is on the lines of the package offered in Jammu and Kashmir and NE states.
The new guidelines are applicable to Maoists who surrender with or without arms. "The eligibility of surrender Maoists for assistance under the scheme would be scrutinised by the screening-cum-rehabilitation committee constituted by the state government.The Centre will reimburse the funds to the state," a police official said.
The surrendered Maoists will be eligible for a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 each for a maximum period of 36 months and an immediate grant of Rs 1.5 lakh. The Maoists will also be given free legal service after the surrender.