The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : All in an effort to begin anew

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Thursday, Jan 17, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

All in an effort to begin anew

S. Harpal Singh

Extremists who gave up will enlist support of Ministers in lifting of cases

ADILABAD: The State Government’s compassion has not so far encompassed lifting of criminal cases against them. This is the fact that exercises the naxals who had opted for surrender to lead a normal life.

With a view to garnering support in top political echelons for their cause, a score of former extremists from North Telangana districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal are slated to meet Ministers from Telangana region on January 17 and 18. The naxals will seek their support while the issue of withdrawal of cases against surrendered extremists is discussed at the Cabinet meeting, it is learnt.

It was in 2000 that the then Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Government formulated a surrender and rehabilitation policy for controlling the naxal menace. “Though it was not written down, we were assured that cases against our names will be withdrawn. This was one major factor that resulted in lots of us surrendering arms,” recalled a former member of Adilabad district committee of the People’s War now called Maoists.

Owing to the ‘no case’ policy, surrenders of extremists in Adilabad district had come thick and fast until 2005. It is because of these surrenders that the under ground movement has almost dried up here. As many as 356 naxalites surrendered during the six year period.

While the Government is not ‘persecuting’ the ex cadres, cases are still pending against them in different courts.

Technically, all the naxalites against whom non bailable warrants (NBW) are pending are considered to be absconders. “Because of our status we cannot function as ordinary citizens of this country. Those of us who still have enthusiasm for service of people cannot contest in elections. Does this mean joining the mainstream,” questioned a leader of a loosely formed group of the surrendered naxalites.

The group members had met Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy with their plea in December. He is reported to have responded sympathetically.

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