241 ex-militants returned to J-K illegally from PoK, Pak: Govt

Jammu and Kashmir government today said that 241 ex-militants have returned "illegally" to the state from Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the past three years, and not under the return and rehabilitation policy provided for them by the state government.
"No ex-militant has returned through identified routes under aforesaid policy (return and rehabilitation) after fulfilment of conditions prescribed in the policy," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a written reply to the question of Chaman Lal Gupta in Legislative Assembly today.
The CM, however, said during past three years till February 15 this year, 241 ex-militants have returned "illegally" via Nepal and other routes along with their family members.

He said that those who have not returned under the policy will not be eligible for any assistance for their rehabilitation.
Elaborating on the issue, he said during 2010, 29 ex-militants have returned from Pakistan and PoK of whom five militants brought their wives and children with them.
Similarly during 2011, 55 ex-militants have returned from Pakistan and PoK of whom 16 militants brought their wives and children with them, he said.

During 2012, 150 ex-militants have returned from Pakistan and PoK of whom 90 militants brought their wives and children with them, he said.
Up to February 15 this year, eight ex-militants have returned from Pakistan and PoK of whom two militants brought their wives and children with them, Omar added.

The state government had formulated a policy and procedure for return of ex-militants in J&K from PoK and Pakistan in 2010.
The CM further said that 1,089 applications have been received on behalf of ex-militants and perspective returnees who are willing to return under the policy. Out of which, 191 cases have been recommended for the return and rest of the applications are being scrutinised and verified, he said.
The state government will continue with its efforts for implementation of policy to facilitate return of youth desirous to return to the state under this policy, Omar added.