Bandipora, Jan 22: Authorities in this north Kashmir district have received 58 applications from relatives of youth, who want to return from Pakistan administered Kashmir, sources told Greater Kashmir on Saturday.
 They said most of the applications have been received from Malangam and Aloosa belt of the district.
 Sources said that there are about 300 youth listed with them who have crossed LoC since the outbreak of armed rebellion in the Valley in 1990. “Most of them have got married there and have children,” they added.
 “While receiving applications we are recording the bio-data of the applicant as well as the address and phone number of a person residing across the LoC if any “a top officer said. “Our work is to receive applications further process is being carried out by the officer in IGP’s office.”
 While depositing applications people are urging the government to immediately take steps to facilitate the return of their wards, he added.
 Farooq Ahmed whose father had crossed LoC 20-years back after filing the application said that they were pessimistic about policy as it is a lengthy process. “It is for the  third consecutive time we are filing application for return of my father, first it was when the  government led by Mufti Sayeed announced Vatan Vapsi policy, after that we filed the  application when Muzaffarabad road was opened. Now its third time,”
 Farooq said that his father is living there with six children and is working as laborer in a construction company.
 Pertinently, the new rehabilitation policy was announced by the state government on November 23 last year after it was vetted by the Union Home ministry.
 The policy intended to facilitate the return of ex-militants from Jammu and Kashmir who had crossed over to Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) states: "Those who have gone to PaK/Pakistan between 1.1.1989 and 31.12.2009 and their dependents will be eligible for consideration under the policy."
 The District Superintendent of Police of concerned district, where the prospective returnees resided before crossing  the Line of Control would be designated authority to whom the parents or close relatives or in exception circumstances, the prospective returnee himself may file the application.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST