Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 11: Stating that none of those, who had crossed over the border for arms training, has availed the benefit of Rehabilitation Policy announced by the State Government, Minister Incharge Home Department today informed the Legislative Assembly that 241 ex-militants/terrorists have returned illegally while as nearly 4000 are still living in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).
“No ex-militant has returned from Pakistan/PoK to the State through the identified routes under the policy and procedure for return of ex-militants notified by the State Government Vide Order No. Home-1376(ISA) of 2010 dated November 23, 2010”, the Minister said in the written reply to the question of MLA from Jammu West Assembly Segment Prof Chaman Lal Gupta.
About the ultras who have brought with them their families, the Minister said that during the past three years and the current year up to February 15, 2013, 241 ex-militants/terrorists have returned illegally via Nepal and other routes along with their family members.
During 2010, 29 ex-militants returned from Pakistan/PoK of whom five have even brought their wives and children with them. Similarly, during 2011, 54 ex-militants returned and 16 of them even brought their wives and children with them.
A total of 150 ex-militants returned from Pakistan/PoK and 90 of them even brought their wives and children with them during 2012 while as during the current year up to February 15 eight ex-militants have returned of whom two have even brought their wives and children.
In response to a question regarding the number of militants whose relatives have approached the police and other agencies for facilitating the return and rehabilitation of their kin living in Pakistan/PoK, the Minister said that 1089 applications have been received on behalf of the ex-militants/prospective returnees who are willing to return under the policy. Out of these, 191 cases have been recommended for return and the rest of applications were being scrutinized and verified.
“Since no ex-militant has returned through the identified routes under the policy after fulfillment of the conditions prescribed in the policy, they are not eligible for any assistance or rehabilitation. Therefore, no assistant can be provided for their rehabilitation”, the Minister informed the House.
Responding to another query of Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, the Minister Incharge Home said, “around 3974 ultras are still living in PoK/Pakistan”, adding “the State Government will continue with its efforts for implementation of the policy to facilitate the youth desirous of returning to the State under the policy”.
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