Working on new surrender policy, but not for hardcore Maoists: Chhattisgarh deputy CM

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh govt is working on a new surrender policy in which Maoists who give up arms may have their FIRs quashed, but the terms will not be lenient for hard-core commanders, deputy CM and home minister Vijay Sharma told TOI in an interview on Thursday.

"Our govt is holding discussions to bring major changes in the surrender policy for Maoists. We want to encourage more insurgents to give up violence, join the mainstream and avail benefits of the state's progress," he said, adding that it is mulling wiping out FIRs of those who surrender.

Asked if FIRs against Madvi Hidma or other such dreaded Maoist commanders will also be quashed if they give up arms, he said: "It's Maoist central committee members who have fanned the fire of violence and launched this unending conflict in society. We are ready to talk with anyone, be it Hidma or any of the central committee members. They can surrender, but the provisions will not be the same for them. Quashing their FIRs will be difficult because of the harm they have caused. But there's no ill-feeling towards them, we welcome them to surrender."

Since govt is one of the parties in cases related to Maoist violence, it has a valid say in requesting the courts to quash FIRs, he explained.

Asked if Centre is on the same page regarding peace talks with Maoists, Sharma said: "We are in the initial stages. It's a state matter. Even the CM said that peace talks should happen and Naxalism should end. Once we proceed to the next step, Centre's involvement is inevitable and much required."

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