Over 260 Kashmiri ex-militants returned to India via Nepal

More than 260 Kashmiri ex-militants have returned to India via Nepal in the past three years from 2010 till April 10, 2013, parliament was informed Tuesday.

Minister of State for Home R.P.N. Singh told the Lok Sabha, in answer to a question, that 262 former militants have returned. The Jammu and Kashmir government has received a total of 1,094 applications from prospective returnees so far, and of these 422 applications have been cleared by all the agencies and recommended by the committee, he said.

The state government has "notified the policy procedure for return of ex-militants from POK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) to J&K through an order dated Nov 23, 2010."

"As part of this policy, a joint check post at Wagah (Attari), Salamabad, Chakan-da Bagh crossing on the Line of Control (that divides the two Kashmirs) besides the Indira Gandhi International Airport have been routes for former militants who cross over, but have given up militant activities due to change of heart and are willing to return to the state," he said in a statement.

No ex-militant has been able to access the designated routes so far, he said.

As per the policy of 2010, the returnee "will not be entitled to any special benefits".

"However, the policy stipulates for training in suitable trades or skills in ITIs or other training institutions in order to enable their re-integration into society," he added.