ANF halts combing operations in state

This Ganesh Chaturthi could herald a new chapter of peace and development in the state’s Naxal-hit areas as the government has declared a halt in its anti-Naxal operations from 17 to 23 September with many prominent Naxal leaders reportedly expressing their desire to surrender.

The intensified combing operations of the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) in the last one month have brought Naxal elements under tremendous pressure in the Western Ghats. The ANF killed a Naxal recently and was marching into the core areas of Naxalites in the forests.

Chief minister Jagadish Shettar said Naxals have come forward themselves to surrender without any conditions. Under law there is a provision for this under the surrender policy.

“As a responsible government, it’s our responsibility to reciprocate to the Naxals who want to come to the mainstream,” Shettar said.

“To facilitate the process of surrender, we have halted the combing operation by the ANF.”

Asked about the details of the Naxals who are surrendering, Shettar said he cannot disclose the names. “At this point I can only say that prominent Naxal leaders are surrendering,” he said. “This process will end the issue of Naxalism in the state to a great extent.”

The government is ready to offer them security and a special package to get them into the mainstream. The government has already taken up the matter of development of Naxal-prone areas by releasing Rs 1 crore per taluq. The special package includes Rs 2 lakh cash or loan and Rs 2,000 special pay for getting training in a professional course, subject to conditions.