Ban could hit Maoists in Maharashtra

The central ban may hit Maoist activities in eastern Maharashtra. Home department officials said the state should also take stern action against the red army under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and revoke the incentive scheme for their surrender.

After 36 police personnel and government officials were killed in the last three months, the government has enough reasons to launch a major offensive against Maoists.

Home department officials feel the state banning Maoists could help root out the menace. “If such a ban is imposed in the state, Maoists could be booked under MCOCA, the most stringent Act against organised crime. Secondly, the incentive scheme would no more be applicable. Though the scheme has received good response in the last four years, there is no guarantee that Maoists won’t continue their activities after availing it of. Police suspect surrendered Maoists played a part in the recent attacks on the force in Vidarbha,” an official said.

The home department introduced the scheme in 2005, and since then, 320 Maoists have surrendered. The state has disbursed Rs1.34 crore under the scheme.