Thaindian News

Kolkata, Aug 25 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday announced a compensation of Rs.2 lakh for the families of civilians killed in Maoist violence in the state. The central government will give another Rs.3 lakh.

“The families of the civilians who are killed by Maoists will be given Rs.2 lakh by the state government. They will get another Rs.3 lakh from the central government as compensation,” Banerjee said at the state secretariat Writers’ Buildings.

“We are also exploring the possibility of giving a government job or a monthly pension to a member of each of such families,” said Banerjee.

She urged extremists to shun violence and embrace a normal life.

“It is being noticed that Maoists are regrouping and not only are they threatening people, they are back to their violent ways, killing people. A CPI-M worker and a Trinamool supporter were killed a few days back by the ultras. I request all those people to return to normal life and avail the economic package given by the government,” she said.

Banerjee had earlier announced an economic package based on guidelines formulated by the union home ministry to woo the guerrillas into the mainstream.

The incentives include a monthly stipend of Rs.2,000 for a period of three years and a three-year fixed deposit of Rs.1.5 lakh.

Banerjee said she would soon be meeting the negotiators appointed by the government to talk to the extremists.

Keeping her promise to give police and home guard jobs to 10,000 people from Junglemahal (Maoist-hit forested stretches in the three western districts of West Midnapore, Baunkura and Purulia), Banerjee said the notification in this regard will be issued Sep 10.