Jammu, March 6
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has received over 600 applications for rehabilitation from relatives and parents of former militants in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) who want to return to the state.

“We have received and accepted 600 applications (from the relations of youth aspiring to return to Jammu and Kashmir from PoK). They are being verified,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.

“I hope the day is not far when we will approve these 600 applications for the return and rehabilitation of youth gone across,” Omar said. Those who had gone across for arms training to PoK would return without guns but with their families.

The applications have been filed with police chiefs of various districts of Jammu and Kashmir during the past two months. In the applications, it has been claimed by parents and relatives that the youths are ready to return home.

Those who have gone to PoK or Pakistan between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 2009, and their dependents will be eligible for consideration under the policy.

The applications would be scrutinised by district SPs and then forwarded to the CID, which will prepare a dossier and give it to the Home Department to take a final call. — PTI