262 former Kashmiri militants return home via Nepal: Government

NEW DELHI: Over 260 ex-militants have returned to Jammu and Kashmir via Nepal under a special surrender and rehabilitation policy, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Home RPN Singh said as per report of Jammu and Kashmir Police, since 2010 and till April 10, 2013, about 262 ex-militants have returned via Nepal.

He said Jammu and Kashmir government has received a total of 1094 application on behalf of prospective returnees under the policy and out of these 422 applications have been cleared by all agencies and recommended by a Committee.

However, Singh said, no ex-militant has been able to access the designated routes like Wagah, Salamabad and IGI Airport, Delhi under the 2010 policy of surrender and rehabilitation for ex-militants.

"As per the policy of 2010, returnees will not be entitled to any special benefits. However, the policy stipulates for training in suitable trades of skills in ITIs or other training institutions in order to enable their re-integration into society," he said.