Indian-held Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that his government is working on a plan for the return of what he believes “misguided” youth from Azad Kashmir, the Press trust of India news agency reported on Monday.
“We are working out something that does not need support of government of Pakistan or (the government in) Muzaffarabad,” Omar told reporters with reference to the youth from Indian side of the state to Azad Kashmir after Indian armed forces started military operation in the state and started killing innocent people only to crush Kashmiris’ struggle for their national independence.
“We have received 900 applications from youth (from Azad Kashmir). We are looking at the possibilities of how we can facilitate their return,” Omar told the reporters. Last year, the so-called rehabilitation policy announced for those Kashmiris who crossed Line of Control in to Azad Kashmir, but no substantive progress has been made on the matter so far.
On the issue of unmarked graves, Omar said the government was waiting for final recommendation of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on the issue. “We will look into the recommendations and take the course of action that will satisfy the concerns of the people,” he said. “We hope the commission takes into consideration our view while preparing the final recommendations.”
On his proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Omar said it was something that the state government could not do on its own. “It has to be agreed upon by Pakistan and India. The commission shall look into disappearances, half widows, migration of people out of Kashmir – Muslims, Sikhs and Pandits all migrated out of Kashmir for varied reasons,” he said.
AFP news agency reported that the Indian-held Kashmir government has declared an amnesty for more than 1,000 youths alleged to have attacked Indian armed forces during pro-independence protests last year in which more than 100 civilians died. Last summer, the state was rocked for months by clashes between stone-throwing demonstrators and Indian paramilitary troops, who used live fire to try to control massive rallies against India.
About 110 protesters died in the violence, most of them young males hit by gunfire from Indian forces during some of the worst civil unrest against India. The government will drop the cases against the youths to give them an opportunity to be responsible persons and lead a normal life, Omar said in a statement.
Abdullah said the amnesty was to remove the stigma on the character and behaviour of these youths for being involved in stone-pelting and that it would give them the chance to find employment. “The amnesty would be available to them as a one-time opportunity,” he said, adding about 1,200 people would be affected by the ruling which comes ahead of Eidul Fitr.
