E-Paper
Centre urges J-K govt to formulate new surrender and rehab policy
The new policy has been introduced keeping in mind the new entrants in militancy, especially the ones after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has advised the Jammu and Kashmir government to formulate a new “surrender and rehabilitation policy” for local youth who have joined various militant outfits.
A senior ministry official said the move was aimed to provide the youth with “economic rehabilitation and suitable training to run their own business so that they could return to the mainstream and lead a dignified life”.
Under the existing policy, militants who received training in Pakistan, were given an immediate grant and a monthly stipend, depending on the category, upon surrender.
However, most of the former militants who came under the scheme were those who had been active between 1989-2009. Under the policy, a militant would also receive grant for each weapon he would surrender to authorities.
The new policy has been introduced keeping in mind the new entrants in militancy, especially the ones after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, the official said.
As reported by HT earlier, MHA and J& K government were working on withdrawing cases and releasing thousands of young Kashmiris currently in jail for repeat and multiple offences of stone-pelting.
On Wednesday, another senior home ministry official confirmed that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had advised the Mehbooba Mufti led government to constitute a high level committee headed by an officer of the rank of director general or additional director general to review cases of stone pelting against youth. Earlier on only those cases were being reviewed in which the accused was a one time offender.
MHA has also advised to constitute an advisory board to address grievances of Kashmiri migrants, displaced persons of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Chhamb as well as West Pakistan refugees. Officials said old and dilapidated camps at Jagti and Talwara will be repaired as well.
