MHA advises J-K Police to withdraw cases against first time stone-pelters

In a significant development, the Home Ministry has advised the state government to withdraw cases against first time offenders. The government announced the amnesty for the stone-pelters in Kashmir Valley.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) wants to provide another chance to the youngsters in the Valley. The decision comes as a good will gesture.

According to an internal note accessed by India Today, "In the prevailing circumstances, (the misguided youth) need a chance to rebuild their career and participate in job opportunities rather than being labeled as criminals all their lives."

The move is seen as Centre's good will gesture to reach out to the youth.

While the stone-pelting incidents have been on an ebb, there are frequent reports of stone-pelting every now and then, the latest being in the area of Hajin in Bandipora where there was heavy stone-pelting.

But since there is a downward spiral, many in the force feel that this is a good time to reach out to the youth.

"A senior source in security forces said, "There are thousands of youth who are booked in cases which have potential to destroy their future. Considering the improvement in the situation, withdrawing cases against first-time stone pelters will act as a goodwill gesture."

Also Jammu and Kashmir Police which is in the forefront of counter insurgency operations will get a hiked ex gratia for their personnel on the lines of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) like the CRPF.

A source said that the division of the gratia is Rs 18 lakh by the state and Rs 12 lakh will be reimbursed by the Centre. Jammu and Kashmir Police has highest number of casualties in the country in terror related incidents.

Incidentally, the move comes ahead of interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma's second visit to the state later this month.

Former Director IB was appointed as the Centre's representative on October 23 to hold a "sustained dialogue" with all stakeholders