Very few takes advantage of J&K govt's militant rehabilitation policy

SRINAGAR: Only one in 10 youth who cross over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for arms training returns taking advantage of the rehabilitation policy announced by the previous National Conference-Congress government in Jammu and Kashmir six years back, the government told the Assembly today.

"Reportedly, 4,587 youth have crossed over to PoK and Pakistan, while 489 have returned via the Nepal route till date," Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a written reply.

Responding to questions from opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, she said 15 of the 489 have returned since January, 2015.

The Chief Minister said the state government sanctioned the policy and procedure for rehabilitation of misguided youth, who crossed over to PoK or Pakistan but gave up insurgent activities due to a change of heart and were willing to return to the state.

"The policy recognises four routes for the return of the misguided youth but Nepal is not an approved route under this.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs had sought comments of the state government on the inclusion of the Nepal route as an additional entry point," Mehbooba said, adding that her government has recently forwarded its views to the ministry.

The NC-Congress government had announced the policy in 2010 in consultation with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs following the recommendations of a working group constituted by then Prime Minister in 2006.

However, none of the youth had returned to J&K through the four approved routes by 2013.

Only those who crossed over to PoK and Pakistan between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 2009 and their dependants will be eligible for consideration under the policy.

Four transit points have been selected through which former militants would be permitted to enter. These include Wagah, Attari, Salamabad or Chakan-da-bagh crossings on the Line of Control (LoC) and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.

They would have to complete certain formalities which will be scrutinised by the police and intelligence agencies before they are allowed to return.

SPs of districts where a prospective returnee resided before crossing over to PoK/Pakistan would be the designated authority for supervising the process.