In a positive step towards controlling the Maoist insurgency, police officials began a poster campaign at different places in the district on Monday. Besides stating the rebels’ activities which go against the law of the land, the posters detailed government package for surrendered Maoists.
In hundreds of posters put up in Khairput and Kudumuluguma blocks and Balimela NAC area, the Maoists have been urged to return to the mainstream society. The posters also mentioned their violent and illegal activities in Khairput which has turned into a Maoist fortress over the years. The government has given them an opportunity and they should grab it, the posters stated.
A police official said the purpose of the campaign is to persuade the rebels to surrender and highlight the benefits they would gain after they lay down the arms. “We also want to stop people from joining the Maoist movement as the rebels are inciting tribals to take the path of violence to stop their development,” he said.
The posters alleged that the Maoists were not sparing even social activists who were killed on the charges of being police informers. The government has sanctioned crores of rupees for various development projects in the district. But the Maoists are not allowing the authorities to carry out those projects including construction of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), culverts, roads, school buildings and panchayat office buildings.
Appealing to the people of the district who have joined the Maoists, to return to the mainstream, the posters advised them to take the benefit of various government sponsored welfare schemes.
Meanwhile, the locals have welcomed the initiative taken by the police officials and have pledged to support the campaign to bring back the Maoists to the mainstream of society through peaceful means.