Politicians can move freely in Maoist-pockets in Jharkhand

Police will refrain from asking politicians to change routes in Jharkhand. (Photo Courtesy: Reuters)

With an aim to prevent the Left wing extremism (LWE) from exploiting any political vacuum at the grassroots, the police would not ask political leaders to change their programmes or routes in Jharkhand unless there is any specific input about Maoist threat.

"They (politicians) can go wherever they want but they should keep us informed (to keep a close vigil and providing adequate security)," Additional Director General of Police S N Pradhan told PTI in Ranchi, on Tuesday.

"If it is absolutely necessary following specific inputs about any danger (then only) we will advise them to change the programme or route," the ADGP said.

Asked whether it was a new advisory, he said the police got a feedback from the politicians that they should move freely in their areas.

Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who visits Naxal strong-holds every fortnight in Maoist-affected states, have been suggesting that politicians should not leave any vacuum' at the grassroots to LWE exploitation and they should strengthen democracy through continuous political activities.

In the multi-pronged strategies to curb LWE, the government recently reviewed its surrender policy, a total of 40 personnel of Jharkhand Jaguar are undergoing vigorous training on the pattern of Grey Hounds of Andhra Pradesh and officials are being asked not to abdicate their place of posting following Naxal fear. Jharkhand Chief Secretary R S Sharma, who had on June 13 said the state faced a major problem in execution of developmental projects as many government officials posted at the block level abdicate offices for fear of left wing extremism, reviewed the surrender policy on September 13.

To bring back the rebels to the mainstream with a better rehabilitation package, Sharma directed to make necessary changes to the policy like putting up the surrendered Naxalites in Hazaribagh Open Jail along with their family members, imparting them with skill training and increasing the amount upon their surrender.