Give Them Time

Summary

This Hindustan Times editorial argues that the Chambal dacoits’ proposed surrender should not be rushed. It reports that Jayaprakash Narayan’s efforts to persuade the outlaw groups have produced an encouraging response: Sarvodaya workers say that nearly 200 dacoits have agreed to surrender, while the Central Government has welcomed the proposal and Madhya Pradesh has suspended one of its three anti-dacoit operations.

The editorial urges the authorities to allow negotiations and preparations to proceed, warning that an overly early deadline could cause the surrender effort to fail. It emphasizes the difficult terrain and the need for trusted emissaries to enter the dacoits’ hideouts, while arguing that patience is preferable to renewed military pressure. The clipping is a one-page English newspaper editorial dated 30 March 1972; no byline is visible.

Key points

• Jayaprakash Narayan’s efforts to secure the surrender of Chambal dacoits are described as receiving an encouraging response.
• Sarvodaya workers reportedly say that nearly 200 dacoits have agreed to surrender.
• The Central Government has welcomed the proposal, and Madhya Pradesh has suspended one of its three anti-dacoit operations.
• The editorial cautions that negotiations must be given sufficient time.
• It warns that an early deadline could lead the dacoits to surrender prematurely or be hunted down.
• The difficult jungle terrain makes access challenging, so only trusted emissaries can safely approach the groups.
• The article presents patience, negotiation, and restraint as preferable to an intensified anti-dacoit offensive.