This is the biggest bait yet for Chhattisgarh’s Naxalites to come overground.

The state government is formulating a unique policy of incentives—the Naxalite can take home the reward on his head when he surrenders. That’s not all: he’ll also get a handsome amount for the arms he brings along.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Raman Singh. According to highly placed government officials, the proposal was finalised after a similar proposal was announced by the Andhra Pradesh government. “The modalities for the entire process will be worked out soon. We hope to settle surrendered extremists by providing them adequate security and alternative identities,” an official said.

A light machine gun is likely to fetch Rs 3 lakh, while an AK-47 can be exchanged for Rs 2 lakh and an SLR will get an additional Rs 1 lakh. The weapons looted from police like 303 will fetch Rs 50,000.

The CPI(Maoist) bigshots carry huge rewards on their heads. While its chief Ganapati carries a reward of Rs 12 lakh, central committee members Kishan, Hargopal, Rajesh and Rajkishan carry Rs 10 lakh each.