Rehab policy to kip youth, militancy, apart

The policy will provide youth with economic rehabilitation and suitable training to run their own business, enabling them to lead a dignified life

In a significant development to wean away local youths from militancy, the Centre has asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to formulate a new surrender and rehabilitation policy besides setting up a high- level committee to review all stone pelting cases against students. According to sources the Home Ministry also said stone pelting cases of nongrievous nature against students and youth in the state should be closed.

In a communication, the ministry said an opportunity should be provided for alternative path of peace and prosperity to Kashmiri youth who have joined militancy.

The home ministry has advised the J- K government to formulate a new surrender and rehabilitation policy, they added.

The policy will provide the youth with economic rehabilitation and suitable training to run their own business, enabling them to return to the mainstream and lead a dignified life, sources said. The ministry has also advised the state government to constitute a high- level committee, headed by an officer in the rank of Director General of Police or Additional Director General, to review remaining cases of stone pelting against students and youth.

The home ministry is of the view that stone pelting cases of non- grievous nature against students and youth should be closed or withdrawn so that they get a chance to focus on their study and pursue their career.