Thaindian News

Ranchi, Feb 8 (IANS) Security agencies in Jharkhand propose roping in villagers through inducement of rewards up to Rs.1.2 million to help in capturing Maoist rebels in the state, police here said.
“The proposal has been sent to the governor’s house for final approval. Governor Syed Sibte Razi is likely to give his consent by the end of this month,” a police officer told IANS.

“Posters announcing the reward amounts will be put up in the villages. The identity of the villagers giving information leading to the arrest of the Maoists will be kept secret,” he added.

He said the reward amount will be deposited in the bank account of the villager concerned .

Depending on the category of Maoist rebels, the reward amount will be fixed between Rs.50,000 and Rs.1.2 million.

Any villagers ensuring the arrest of a special area committee member will get Rs.1.2 million while the reward on a Maoist leader who is in charge of the state will be Rs.1 million. Zonal commanders and additional zonal commanders will each carry awards of Rs.800,000 and Rs.700,000, respectively.

“This is an attractive package we had planned after formation of the state. We have adopted the Andhra Pradesh method of thus involving villagers against Maoist rebels,” the officer said.

Also, another package regarding surrender and rehabilitation policy has been sent to the governor for final approval.

In Jharkhand, Maoist rebels are active in 18 of the 24 districts in the state. More than 1,450 people have been killed in Maoist related violence in last eight years.