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Once a Naxalite, always a Naxalite
Bihar’s notorious Maoists who surrendered to enter the mainstream, now find it may have been a better idea to stay underground. Rajan Prakash reports

“No lack of coordination between STF, district administration”

STF chief SK Bhardwaj says the state government is keen to make good on its promises The money earmarked for Naxalite rehabilitation has not been spent while those who surrender say they have not received money promised by the government. Could there be a lack of coordination between the STF and district administrations?

There is no lack of coordination between the STF and district administration. It is just that officials in the district keep changing, so there are delays. We have every intention to make good on our promises.

There has been some confusion over identifying those who have surrendered. Some Naxalites have been kept in custody and then taken off the list and abandoned. Could this deter others from giving themselves in?

Whether a person is a Naxalite or not is the decision taken by a committee attached to the district administration. It is that committee which recommends rehabilitation. We act on it. While it is true that some mistakes did occur, we have managed to make amends.

Can you say the Naxalite rehabilitation programme is perfect, that all promises made by the government, including providing protection, have been fulfilled?

I cannot make any such claim. Some people have benefited from surrender. We are trying to reach out and identify others who have not. As for providing protection, I have not received any letter which has cited such threats. Once we get them, we will take a decision.

There are some surrendered Naxalites who say they want to join the radical movement. Is it disturbing?

If someone decides to take up crime as a career, there is nothing we can do. All I can say is that my doors are always open for those who want to surrender.

          

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