Working Group stresses ''soft approach'' for ''misguided youth''

Jammu, Nov 26 (UNI) Emphasising a ''soft approach'' towards the ''misguided'' youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the working group, headed by former Indian ambassador to Iran and United Nations Mohammad Hamid Ansari, advocated that people who want to return from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should be enabled to do so.

Talking to mediapersons after meeting, Mr Ansari, however, noted that here was a difference between a general amnesty and allowing those who wanted to return back to the state safely.

''Law has to take its own course and those who have committed crimes on this part of the state would be dealt accordingly but the surrendered militants should be properly rehabilitated,'' he said.

The working group, a committee constituted by Prime Minister after the Second Round Table on Jammu and Kashmir has been tasked with suggesting measures for building a good atmosphere and deliberating on the main issues which may be helpful to finding out the solution of Kashmir issue.'' The six issues were thoroughly discussed in the meeting and now we will submit our report to Dr Singh,'' Mr Ansari added.

Expressing concern over the human right violations by various agencies in the state, he asserted it must be brought down to zero level.

Elaborating about the discussion, he said the six measures including the rehabilitation of militancy-affected people, orphans and widows, and of persons who have renounced militancy came up.

Mr Ansari said the ''respectful'' safe return of Kashmiri Pandits migrants, the youth who crossed over the border and joined militancy but now wanted to return to the mainstream and measures to protect and preserve the unique religious and cultural heritage of the state were also discussed.

Although the meeting of the working group on CBMs remained inconclusive, representatives of various political parties put forward their viewpoints and suggested measures to be taken by the government for improving conditions.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief Peerzada Mohammed Sayyed demanded an adequate economic package for orphans and widows. ''The effective rehabilitation policy should be formulated for widows and those children who became orphans due to militancy,'' he said, adding that the human rights violations committed by militants should also be highlighted.

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