JK BJP bats for rehab camps for stone-pelters, surrendered

The Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit today batted for de-radicalisation and rehabilitation camps for stone-pelters and surrendered militants.
The party unit also welcomed the state government's recent decision to withdraw cases against youths involved in stone-pelting for the first time.
"The decision to free young boys, who have been categorised as first-time stonepelters, is welcome if it helps in carrying forward the peace process set in motion by the central government," Anil Gupta, BJP state spokesperson said.
Gupta, however, added that a caution should be maintained while implementing such a move.
"While the planned release of first-timers (stone-pelters) is needed for assuaging hurt feelings of affected families and is seen as a positive healing touch, the past experience on this issue has not been very encouraging and healthy.

"A thorough screening of past antecedents, police records including chances of remote association with any terrorist outfit, intelligence inputs and family background (to rule out terror sympathisers) must be done before taking a decision to grant amnesty to any stone-pelter," he said.
"We recommend that the government consider establishing 'de-radicalisation and rehabilitation' camps where the released stone-pelters and surrendered militants should be housed for a definite period before being allowed to merge with the society," the BJP leader suggested.