Author: PTI
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 8, 2010
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maoists-offer-money-for-arms/articleshow/6274960.cms
Maoists on Sunday offered money for handing
over weapons allegedly being used by CPM cadres in the Naxal-hit areas, 12
days after the West Bengal government announced a surrender and rehabilitation
package for the rebels.
"Those handing over SLRs or AK 47 rifles
would be paid Rs one lakh and Rs 70,000 each would be paid for a carbine,
automatic revolver and pistol, while country-made guns would fetch Rs 8,000
and above," Maoist central committee member Akash said.
He alleged that villagers were forced to join
arms training camps by CPM in West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts,
collectively known as 'jungle mahal'.
Akash put the number of camps at a little
less than 100. He said 58 camps were being run by the Marxists in West Midnapore
district, 16 in Purulia and Bankura districts combined, while 23 schools in
the 'jungle mahal' area were also being used as arms training centres.
"Those deserting the camps with arms
would be given cash rewards and would not be harmed by the Maoists,"
Akash said.
On July 28, the West Bengal government had
announced a surrender-cum-rehabilitation package for Maoists.
As per the package, the government would make
a fixed deposit of Rs 1.5 lakh for each surrendered Maoist for a period of
three years. They would also be paid Rs 2,000 each per month for a period
of three years and be given vocational training in a trade of their choice.
"For arms surrendered by the Maoists,
Rs 25,000 would be given for a machine gun, Rs 15,000 for an AK-47, Rs 10,000
for a satellite phone, Rs 3,000 each for a revolver or a landmine and Rs 1,000
for per kg of explosives," DGP Bhupinder Singh had said.
