Informal Homecoming: 5 More Ex-Militants Return via Nepal
Srinagar, June 09: In the fresh exercise of informal homecoming, five former militants, who had crossed over to Pakistan for arms training, have returned toIndia along with their ten family members, sources disclosed on Saturday. These former militants came via Nepal early this week, sources added, and surrendered before the authorities.
Ashiq Hussain Khawaja of Zirhama, Kupwara has returned with his Pakistani wife Neela Begum and three sons. Showkat Ahmad Itoo of Qazigund too has wife Parveena and two sons with him. Abdul Majeed Lone of Bathipora Naidkhai has wife and three kids while Javed Rather of Pattan has come along with wife Nabla Begum and two toddlers. Muhammad Dilawar Beigh of Warpora Kupwara is the only single person among the fresh arrivals.
This significant return is being facilitated by authorities in Indias interior ministry under a Rehabilitation Policy that has been initiated by the Kashmirs chief minster Omar Abdullah. The government had sought applications from families of those who had got stuck in Pakistani camps. We have received 1100 applications. Over hundred boys have already returned, more are following, says a top Police official of the Kashmirs Counter Intelligence department. What has surprised authorities is the family liabilities the returning militants bring with them.
The Kashmir governments rehabilitation policy, which aims at bringing back the Kashmiri boys who had crossed over to Pakistan but chose not to fight, has not been official approved by Pakistani authorities. But the return is being allowed and Pakistani officials have not objected to the Nepal route for the return of those who have been staying put in Pakistan camps for over two decades. Police say at least four thousand Kashmiris are staying in Pakistans different cities. They, according to Police, have eschewed the path of violence and want to come back.
Informal Homecoming: 5 More Ex-Militants Return via Nepal