Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 31: Under the directions of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, the State Government as a people friendly measure had in 2011 simplified the guidelines relating to the issuance of verification for obtaining passports.
These guidelines, inter-alia, provide for issuance of verification for passport purposes to the relatives of militants who have died ten years back or have surrendered twelve years ago.
However, there is no provision for issuing such clearance in respect of an applicant whose militant relative is still in PoK/Pakistan. Further, there is no explicit provision to deal with the cases of such youth who had returned to the State from PoK/Pakistan.
Now keeping in view the overall improvement in the security scenario in the State, representations received from the general public, political representatives and in keeping with its citizen friendly policy, the State Government has considered the matter and decided to further liberalize the policy for issuance of verification for obtaining passports.
The amended policy provides for issuance of clearance for obtaining passport for Haj/Umrah in respect of an applicant who had crossed over to PoK/Pakistan for obtaining arms training, but has returned, eschewed violence, is silent, has exhibited a good conduct and completed fifteen years or more in the State from the date of his return and on the date of application.
The amended policy further provides that clearance for issuance of passport will be granted in favour of applicant(s) whose relative(s) have crossed over to PoK, fifteen years ago, is/are silent there and do not have any adverse report from the concerned agencies.
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