Mangalore, Oct 4: IGP Alok Mohan (western range) expressed his satisfaction over the way people maintained peace and law and order in the wake of the Ayodhya verdict, which he said was a “unique judgment.” He was addressing reporters during a press conference held in his office on Oct 4, Monday. He also lauded the efforts of the media and various religious heads in maintaining peace.
Regarding Naxal problems, the IGP said that the government has taken apt measures, owing to which the situation is now under control. The residents of Malnad are not in favour of the Naxals, he informed and added that the government had conducted a Jan Sampark Savar in a bid to create awareness among the people.
The police department had also launched a policy inviting Naxals to surrender and to mend their ways. The department had also promised them job opportunities to give them a fresh start in life. Revealing further details regarding the surrender policy, he said that it was last updated on June 19, 2010 and has been categorized into Red Zone, Grey Zone, and Green Zone.
The Red Zone includes listed underground Naxals; the Grey Zone includes unlisted Naxals; and the Green Zone includes active over ground Naxals. The state government has expressed willingness to provide financial assistance, support, protection, and withdrawal of all cases against the Naxal who surrenders. Besides, the surrendered Naxal will also receive cash rewards for returning weapons such as AK 47s, pistols, and so on.
The IGP told reporters that Venkatesh of Chikmagalur was the first Naxal to take advantage of this policy and surrender. He was in the Red Zone, being the founder of the Naxal movement in Shringeri. There were three pending cases against him and he was the most wanted in Jaipur Police Station, he said.