Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil today said changes in the naxal surrender policy in the state, in order to ensure progressive and peaceful life of the surrendered naxals.
The Home minister was speaking at a felicitation programme of surrendered naxals here at the district police headquarters today.
Patil admitted that there are some discrepancies in the present naxal surrender policy and the new policy framework will help the surrendered naxals.
As many as 15 surrendered ultras were felicitated at the programme and were also given sewing machines, ration cards and cheques for their rehabilitation.
"If the misguided naxals show their faith in democracy and come forward to surrender, government will stand by them and will not act revengefully. But if they pick up arms, then we too are ready," he said.
Police department is making efforts to ensure that the surrendered naxals lead a self-reliant life and people should also accept them in the mainstream society, he added.
The surrendered naxals also narrated their experiences on the occasion.
Police official Rajkumar Bhujbal and senior district administration officer P Shiv Shankar, who inspired the naxals to surrender in the district, were also felicitated.
Gadchiroli MLA Namdeo Usendi, district collector Ranjeet Kumar, SP Suvez Haque, zila panchayat CEO Sampada Mehta and others were also present at the programme.
