Violence has almost disappeared; ideology hasn't vanished

INTERVIEW - B. Shivadhar Reddy director general of police, Telangana

- BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

How effective is Telangana’s surrender policy?

The policy has been in place since 1993 and is comprehensive. Nearly 6,000 Maoists—including senior leaders—have surrendered over the years. When senior leaders surrender, it has a strong psychological impact—it exposes the limitations of the movement and affects its credibility. We have a simple principle: if they die in exchanges of fire, they may be seen as martyrs; if arrested, heroes; but if they surrender, they become zeros in the eyes of their supporters. Also, the policy is genuinely implemented—immediate relief, housing, medical care, skill training, Aadhaar cards, bank accounts and a sympathetic review of legal cases except in serious offences.

How serious is the spillover threat from neighbouring states?