We facilitated Majid's return: Army

The Army said on Friday that Majid Khan, a footballer who joined the militants over a week ago, has decided to return home and that the military merely facilitated his decision.

Addressing the media in Pulwama district, Major General B.S. Raju said: "The brave young man, Majid Khan, decided on his own to shun violence and return back to lead a normal life pursuing his academics and passion for football.

"He was neither apprehended nor did he surrender. We only facilitated his return," he added. Majid made a brief presence at the press conference.

The Kashmir Valley's police chief, Muneer Khan, said no charges would be pressed against Majid, 20, and he would be straightaway allowed to join his family.

Army sources had earlier said that Majid surrendered after walking into a Rashtriya Rifles camp at Kulgam on Thursday evening. He came with his arms and ammunition.

He was handed over to Victor Force in Awantipora town which oversees all anti-militancy operations of the Army in south Kashmir.

--IANS

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