'J&K rehabilitation policy for youths to start life afresh'

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said his government's rehabilitation policy for the youth stuck in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was aimed at "soothing their wounds and providing them an opportunity to return."
"Government in real sense soothed the wounds by delisting the families of militants from the black list and provided them opportunity of return (from PoK under the rehabilitation policy) to those who had not resorted to violence and guns," Omar told a gathering at Delina, 55 km from here, in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.
Launching a scathing attack on opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Omar said he was surprised over the "bizarre and brazen" approach of PDP legislators for appearing at the front in receiving those who return from PoK under the rehabilitation policy.

"PDP when in power torpedoed the resolution brought by (CPI-M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and supported by National Conference in the Legislative Assembly for honourable return of youth, who had gone to PoK but had not taken up gun...
"PDP denied the youth of Kashmir the chance of return and to live a peaceful life despite raising false slogan of 'Healing Touch'," Omar said, adding that when opportunity came to PDP for delivering its promises, the party failed miserably.
"Now, under the appeasement attitude which is the trait of this party (PDP), its legislators are seen in front row to welcome those returning from PoK," he said.

Omar cited the example of a PDP MLA seen receiving Liyaqat Khan, who was arrested by the Delhi Police after returning from PoK under the policy but later released on bail.

The PDP leadership cried hoarse on important issues and raised hollow slogans to appease people, he claimed.
"But it was my government which delivered positively and effectively to provide relief to people and address political and development matters with commitment and without making any noise," Omar said.
The chief minister asked the people to ensure "permanent eviction" of PDP legislators from the Legislative Assembly in the elections scheduled next year.