Srinagar, Apr 12: The amnesty announced for alleged stone pelters and protestors by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is being persued actively as these cases have been referred to the state government for final nod, sources told Greater Kashmir on Thursday.
 A senior official of Home department said that cases of 1524 youth are being perused actively for withdrawal, but the process and procedure is long and tough. “The process for withdrawal for these cases is going on at a fast pace,” he said. “During the process of withdrawal we have to see if any case has been challened then we have to approach the court.”
 The official added that all youth involved in 1524 cases are free. “Either they have been granted bail by court or had not been arrested,” he said.
 “We have taken all the aspects into consideration. We have ensured that these youth should not face any problem when they apply for a passport or join a government service or want to study abroad,” the official added.
 He said, “Government will not withdraw cases against the youth who were involved in arson and heinous crimes during the protests. There are many instances when government and public property was set on fire and damaged.”
 “The process for withdrawal of the cases is going on at a fast pace,” he said.
 Inspector General of police (IGP) Kashmir zone S M Sahai told Greater Kashmir that they have referred the cases of youth who are not fully involved in protests and stone pelting to the government. He hoped that the cases would be withdrawn in near future and the process is going on at a fast pace.
 “We have referred the cases of youth who are not deeply involved in protests and stone pelting. We are waiting for the reply and are hopeful that cases would be withdrawn very soon,” he said.
 Pertinently, on August 28, 2011, Omar Abdullah had announced the amnesty policy on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Announcing withdrawal of cases then, Chief Minister had said only over 100 cases of arson and damage to public and private property would not be withdrawn.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST