18 Pak militants surreder after return from PoK

Baramulla, Nov 25: Eighteen militants trained in different camps across the border over the years surrendered before the troops after their return from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

We want to lead a peaceful and honourable life now, the militant said after their reunion with family members at a special surrender function organised by the Army here today.

Emotional scenes were witnessed when Abdul Gafar, who had crossed over to POK in 1993 met his family members.

Besides feeling humiliated in POK where Kashmiris are not being considered humans, we were also feeling home sick, they said.

Two of the militants, who stayed in Pakistan and POK for more than 10 years said they were missing everything there.

They said initially everything was good but now Kashmiris are not being trusted.

Gaffar, a resident of Lolab valley in the frontier district of Kupwara said he and others crossed over to POK in 1993 to receive arms training there.

He said after getting the training in Boyee camp, we were told that we have to kill people in Kashmir.

Gaffar said his elder brother was killed by militants in 1996 without any reason.

Pervez Ahmad, a resident of central Kashmir district of Badgam expressed similar sentiments and said what was going on in Jammu and Kashmir was not a ''jehad''( holy war).

Gaffar and Pervez said the top leaders of different militant organisations are enjoying life in POK and Pakistan. Their children are in good schools and some of them have married twice, militants said.

About their surrender, they said they came in different vehicles towards the border after escaping from the camp alongwith arms and ammunition. We had already expressed our desire to surrender to security forces through our family members, they said adding that they were in touch with their family members.

''Our dream to lead a normal and honourable life will be fulfilled now, they said adding they feel sorry for the past.

Hailing from different areas, including Baramulla, Badgam, Srinagar, Doda and Kupwara the militants surrendered 10 ak rifles, eight pistols and other arms and ammunition before the troops in the presence of a large number of people and district administration officials.

The militants said that only those associated with the Pakistan based tanzeems are being treated well in the camp. Others, they said, had to beg for a living.

The Kashmiri youths, still in different camps, are feeling isolated and discriminated by the leaders.

They alleged some top militant leaders were killed in the Kashmir valley on the directions from across the border.

Those in Pakistan and POK are not in favour of restoration of peace in Kashmir as they are enjoying life there, the militants said.

A senior army officer said each militant will be helped to start a new life under the surrender policy of the government.

He said the militants will be handed over to police for completing the legal formalities before they join their families.

About 100 militants, belonging to different militant organisations have surrendered before security forces and police since January this year.

UNI

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