This Article is From Nov 27, 2010

Surrender policy: Will Pakistan let it work?

Jammu: Disillusioned by the idea of independent Kashmir 11 years ago, Zakir Hussain crossed the Line of Control into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to become a militant. Zakir was just 20-years-old then and had left a pregnant wife behind to join what he thought was a larger cause.

However, the fear of arrest kept him back and for years now, he has been sending messages to his family in Doda, telling them how much he wants to return.

''I have not seen my father. I have only seen him in a photo. I want my father to return,'' says Muzammil, Zakir's son who he has never met.

Now, there is hope for Zakir and thousands of Kashmiris like him who have been drawn into militancy over the past few decades as the National Conference-led government in Jammu and Kashmir has cleared the long-pending Surrender policy.

''The residents from Jammu and Kashmir want to return to the mainstream after shunning the path of violence,'' said Ali Mohammad Sagar, Law Minister, J&K.

The government has opened four entry points for their return - Chakandabagh (LoC), Salamabad (LoC), Wagah border and Delhi International Airport.

In return, they will have to promise to surrender arms forever and convince the security agencies that their case is genuine.

The government also wants them to be open to monitoring for a while as they return to civil society. They should be ready to stay in a counselling centre for three months and face trial in cases pending against them.

The BJP activists in the state however have not welcomed the government's move saying that "the decision is big blot for the state and the country".

The policy is aimed to generate goodwill and give misguided youth a chance to lead a peaceful life but its success also vastly depends on whether Pakistan will give them a free passage or create obstacles in their way.
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