The West Bengal Chief Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, on Friday offered a special package to Maoists in Purulia, West Midnapore and Bankura districts of West Bengal (loosely termed Junglemahal) to give up arms and appealed for peace in the region.

The appeal and announcement of a fresh package comes a day after a fierce gun battle between the Maoists and joint forces in the Lakhanpur jungle areas of West Midnapore.

This incidentally is the first time that Ms Banerjee has referred to “Maoists” in the course of her speech. Earlier, Ms Banerjee had refrained from using the term “Naxalites” or “Maoists” when referring to a package for the let-wing extremism affected areas of Junglemahal. She had referred to “those who laid down arms” during her speeches.

Monetary Incentives

As a part of the package, surrendered Maoists would receive a fixed deposit of Rs 1.5 lakh in their names. The fixed deposit could be withdrawn after three years, Ms Banerjee told newspersons at the State Secretariat (Writers' Buildings).

Surrendered Maoists would also receive a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 for 36 months. The stipend would be withdrawn after they receive a job.

The State government would pay between Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh, depending on the arms surrendered by the ultra left elements.

According to Ms Banerjee, the State government would see to it that both personal and social security is provided to those who returned to the mainstream.

This is the second time that the State government is announcing a package for surrendered Maoists. An earlier package, on similar lines, had been proposed by the former Left Front government.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW