Mamata gives fresh call to Naxals to return to mainstream

Making a fresh appeal to Naxals to return to the mainstream, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday assured them that her government was trying to solve the problem in a peacefull way.

Hoping that good sense would ultimately prevail on them, she said, "We want the Maoists to return to mainstream. We don't believe in killing of people which is a criminal offence. We are trying to solve the problem in a peaceful manner. We still believe that development is a key issue in Jangalmahal."

"I am getting reports that Naxals were assembling in some areas in Jangalmahal," she told reporters at the state secretariat. She also announced a compensation package for civilians killed in Maoists attacks.

Under the compensation package, the state government would provide Rs two lakh and the Centre would give Rs three lakh to the families of the civilians who fall victims to such attacks.

Banerjee also said that her government was also thinking of either providing a job or pension to the familiy members of the civilians killed in Naxal onslaught.

In this connection, she mentioned the fresh package offered to the surrendering Naxals earlier this month.

She said that she would have a meeting with the team constituted to talk to the Maoists tomorrow.

The Chief Minister said a notification for recruitment of 10,000 people in police force in Junglemahal would be issued on September 10. Priority would be given to local youth, she said.

Banerjee said she has received reports that food was not reaching some areas like Bandwan and Bagmundi in Purulia and assured that food and water would be supplied in Junglemahal.

Earlier this month, the state government had announced package for the surrendering ultras under which Naxals who laid down arms would receive a fixed deposit of Rs 1.5 lakh in their names. They can withdrawn the amount after three years.

They would also be entitled to receive a stipend of Rs 2000 per month for 36 months which would be withdrawn after they get a job. For surrendered arms, "depending on the quality, Naxals will be paid between Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh".