New Delhi: Bridging the previous UPA government’s alleged detachment with the states to counter the biggest threat of Left wing extremism, home minister Rajnath Singh has brought all states on board on the new “anti-naxal” policy.
The fresh policy equates Maoists with terrorists, if they indulge in violence and brings a paradigm shift to the anti-Naxal operations giving state governments the lead while the Centre will provide full assistance. The policy is awaiting approval of Cabinet committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Top sources said majority of the LWE affected states have shared their comments with the MHA, backing the policy, before it is given the final shape. The policy, once cleared by the CCS , is expected to pave way for a string of balanced and holistic multi-pronged interventions in the areas of security and development, ensuring the rights and entitlements of local communities.
The MHA is also mulling granting compensation to locals branded by Maoists as “informers” and being killed across the red zones. Such informers, were so far covered under the central victim compensation scheme for civilians killed in Maoist violence.
But the MHA is keen to grant special financial assistance in such cases, the sources said adding that utmost care will be taken before such a move is finalised to ensure the move does not backfire like the Salwa Judum in Chattisgarh where the Special Police Informers (SPOs) or informers got caught in the cross-hairs.
Keeping in mind that the policy cannot be framed '”behind closed doors'”, the home minister has visited Chintagufa, the so-called liberated zone of the Maoists , giving a morale boost to the security forces.
