KUNAL SHRIVATSA
JAMMU, Mar 11: In what could be perceived as a serious dimension of continuance of influx of militants illegally from various routes , as many as 241 ex-militants/terrorists have sneaked into the state 'illegally' by making their entry into Indian Territory via Nepal and other routes during the past three years as well as the current year upto February 15, 2013.
The State Government made this information public in the Legislative Assembly today while replying in written to a question of MLA, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta on the Rehabilitation Policy for ex- militants.
"241 militants/ terrorists have returned illegally to Jammu and Kashmir via Nepal and other routes along with their family during the last three years and current year upto February 15, 2013," the State Government said.
In a detailed reply, the Government said that during 2010, as many as 29 ex-militants returned from Pakistan/ Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) of whom 5 ex-militants brought their spouses and children along with them while during 2011, the number of ex-militants who returned to J&K from Pakistan/PoK stood at 54 of whom 16 of them brought their families here.
Similarly, in the year 2012, 150 ex-militants came back from Pakistan/PoK of whom 90 ex-militants brought their kith and kin here while in the period till February 15, 2013 as many as 8 ex-militants returned from Pakistan/ PoK out of which 2 of them brought their wives and kids.
However, the Government denied that no assistance for their rehabilitation was offered to any of these returnees since not even a single ex-militant, who reached the State followed the legal routes.
"Since 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 to Jammu and Kashmir State' notified by the State Government vide Government Order No. Home-1376 (ISA) of 2010, dated 23-11-2010," the State Government said.
"As those ex-militants who returned so far have failed to fulfill the conditions prescribed, there was no question of granting them any assistance," the Government added.
The reply further stated that out of 1089 applications received under 'Rehabilitation Policy' on behalf of the ex-militants/ prospective returnees who are willing to come back, 191 cases have been recommended for return while the rest of the pleas are being scrutinized and verified.
While responding to the estimated number of ultras still living in Pakistan/PoK and the steps initiated for their return, the Government said that 3974 militants still exist across the border.
"Reportedly, around 3,974 ultras are still living in PoK and Pakistan…. The Government will continue with its efforts to facilitate the return of youth under the Rehabilitation Policy", the Government said.
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