No general amnesty in Kashmir rehabilitation policy

JAMMU - Contrary to widespread impression, there is no general amnesty clause in the Jammu and Kashmir rehabilitation policy for militants returning from Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir, officials say.

“No general amnesty is envisaged under this policy, a senior officer of the government clarified to IANS Friday. He said the terms and conditions under which militants can return are very clear.

The policy was adopted by the state government Monday.

“It clearly states that the returnees would be duly prosecuted in cases registered against them which are of a serious nature, he said.

He also mentioned that the only relief to the militants “is in the clause that the cases registered against them for having crossed over to Pakistan administered Kashmir and Pakistan would be reviewed”.

These militants will be given training in suitable trades or skills in Industrial Training Institutes or other training institutions to enable their re-integration into society.

In fact, the conduct and behaviour of those who come back will be closely monitored by police and the state CID for a period of two years after their return, the official clarified.