In a major step to usher rebels back into the mainstream of society, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee handed out jobs cards and assorted aids like cycles and scooters to surrendered rebels in the Maoist hotbed of Medinipur. She addressed the locals and also gave away cash rewards and certificates to former Maoists in a bid to encourage the ultras still professing their ideology of violence to give up arms. During the event two Maoists surrendered with arms before the Chief Minister amid assurances of proper rehabilitation by the state government. Meanwhile, Banerjee also distributed awards to athletes, archers and members of the football clubs from the Jangalmahal region of Medinipur, believed to be a stronghold of Maoist movement.
