J&K govt will move court to pardon first-time stone pelters

AMNESTY Panel recommends review in cases against 4,961 protesters, but it will depend on terms put forth by authorities

J&K CM MEHBOOBA MUFTI HAD ANNOUNCED AMNESTY TO FIRSTTIME STONE PELTERS RECENTLY ON ADVICE FROM THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

NEW DELHI: As part of its move to review cases filed against stonepelters in the state and grant amnesty to the first-timers, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government has recommended a review in 850 cases against 4,961 people and plans to move local courts for closing these cases, officials told HT on Tuesday.

J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had announced amnesty to first-time stone pelters recently on advice from the ministry of home affairs. The officials, however, added that the final decision on closure will stay with the respective courts.

HT has also learnt that the state’s recommendation will depend on several terms and conditions put forth by the state police and local government.

The recommendations come from a state government-constituted committee under the chairmanship of director general of police SP Vaid.

The committee recommended 850 cases involving 4,961 firsttime offenders. These include cases of several juveniles named in multiple cases, government officials said.

“The prosecuting officers will approach the court with individual cases soon. The final decision of course will be taken by the court but police’s recommendation will be a withdrawal of the cases,” Vaid told HT.

He also confirmed that those pardoned will have to have to undertake that they will not persist with stone-pelting.

They will also have to undergo counselling sessions held by the state police.

A senior home ministry official said, “The counselling sessions will be an ongoing process but the closure of cases is the most important step. The Central government as well as the MHA wants these youth to pursue their aspirations and not be deterred by misplaced actions of their past.”