55 applications filed under new rehabilitation policy

“They have claimed that PoK-based Kashmiri youths are ready to return to their homes in J&K,” the officials said.

Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khuda said over 50 such applications have been received under the Cross-LoC Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy.

“Kashmir regions have filed more applications than Jammu region,” Khoda said,adding these applications,which are in the petition form as prescribed in the state Home Department are being scrutinised for further action.

The officials said it is good sign that ultras in PoK would return to national mainstream.

Vetted by the Union Home ministry,the state government formally announced the policy on November 23 last year.

The policy intended to facilitate the return of ex-militants who belong to Jammu and Kashmir and had crossed over to PoK for arms and explosive training but had later given up terror activities due to change of heart and are willing to return to the state.

The policy states that,”Those who have gone to PoK/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 over to Pok/Pak would be designated authority to whom the parents or close relatives or in exception circumstances,the prospective returnee himself may file the application.

The applications would be scrutinised by District SPs and then forwarded to CID which prepare a dossier and give it to the home department which will take a final call on whether the person can be permitted to return,the policy states.

The ultras would be allowed to enter only through Wagah Border in Punjab and Salamabad and Chakan-Da-Bagh LoC points in Jammu and Kashmir,it said.

The returnees and their families would be lodged for a period of three months at counseling centres.

“The returnees shall not be entitled to any special benefits or privileges available in the existing surrender and rehabilitation policy,” the policy states.