Srinagar, July 17: Concerned over “recycling” and alleged involvement of former militants in social crimes, Jammu and Kashmir Police have decided to recommend the Government to grant them amnesty and ensure their rehabilitation at par with other citizens of the state.
 Police estimates that there are 10,000- 15000 released militants presently in Kashmir. “Their rehabilitation is necessary because we also fear they might recycle in later stages,” a senior police officer, wishing anonymity, said.
 Police has already formed four groups in the Valley- each headed by a DIG rank officer- to collect details and give suggestions “to bring the former militants into mainstream.”
 A senior police official, privy to the meetings, said the move follows “involvement” of former militants in social crimes including killing of a contractor in Lal Chowk on June 6.
 “For the past many days, the discussion on the subject within top police officers is on. Some inputs have been included in the recommendations for the rehabilitation policy,” the official said.
 Two days back, a meeting was called by the police in Srinagar where the top brass presented various views like the former militants should be granted opportunity of employment in government and private sectors or trained in self-employment.
 “The meeting discussed quantum of amnesty which can be provided to former militants. Some officers were of the opinion that there should be general amnesty by dropping all the cases,” an official said.
 However, sources said some officers were of the opinion to screen crimes which the former militants have allegedly committed. “These officers said amnesty should be provided to militants who are not wanted in heinous crimes like murder and kidnap. Some were also of the view that militants who have been acquitted by the Court should be considered for any rehabilitation policy.”
 Officials said the police top brass wants that amnesty should also provide an opportunity to former militants to enjoy free movement. “Amnesty should also include that militants should not have to present themselves before local police stations and army camps,” they said.
 Police has already set in motion the profiling of militants to look after their economic and education status.
 “These suggestions along with inputs about rehabilitation from other groups would be consolidated. Then we will recommend Government to include these vital inputs for rehabilitation” said an official.
 Pertinently Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on June 27 had said that the Government will formulate a rehabilitation policy for released militants in consultation with the Union Home Ministry.
 “My government has raised the issue with the Home Ministry that there is urgent need to devise a rehabilitation policy for the released militants. So in response to that, they ordered a baseline (survey) to know how educated the militants are and what skill they possess,” Omar had said.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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