The Jammu and Kashmir administration headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik is considering new policies to encourage militants hailing from the state to surrender arms and return to the mainstream, The Indian Express reported on Monday, 3 March.
According to the report, new policies highlighted in the ‘reintegration policy draft’ aims at measures such as jobs, reformative measures, and a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000. The proposal will, however, not will not cover militants found to have been involved in “heinous crimes”, the report added.
Speaking to The Indian Express on the proposal, K Vijay Kumar, advisor to the state government, said that the policy draft is presently at the pre-State Administrative Council (SAC) stage, and is awaiting State Administration's approval.
The development comes a week after Army officials claimed that the recruitment in militant groups has reduced significantly since November.
The claims were made by Lt Gen Dhillon during a press conference, who had also stated, “Anyone who has picked up a gun will be killed and eliminated, unless he surrenders.”
‘Proposed Policy Essential for Socio-Economic Re-Integration’
Speaking on the proposal, former J&K DGP K Rajendra told the daily it is crucial for the government to reach to the "alienated youth" with renewed focus on socio-economic re-integration.
“The successful implementation of a surrender policy is of utmost importance in J&K as there are a large number of surrendered or released militants (around 25,000). The successful rehabilitation of one hardcore surrendered or released militant will motivate others to follow suit,” Rajendra said.
Rajendra also added that one should not expect overnight results as it requires collective effort of the government and the society.
(With inputs from The Indian Express)
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