Slain militants' families in Kashmir demand proper rehabilitation

Srinagar, Feb 17 : Families of militants killed in police encounters staged a protest demonstration here today and demanded proper rehabilitation from the Government.

Holding banners and placards, protesters shouted slogans demanding rehabilitation and other facilities.

The protesters are demanding a rehabilitation package as provided by the State Government to the families of surrendered militants and slain civilians.

Officials of the Rehabilitation Council say the Government cannot have a dual policy.

"The Government cannot adopt dual policy. It provides rehabilitation packages for the civilians, who are killed on streets, and even for militants who have surrendered, but what about the families of those militants who are killed in encounters? Their families are left helpless, without any support for them. They have an equal right to rehabilitation facilities," said Nirupama Kaul, the Nodal Officer of the Rehabilitation Council.

Apart from demanding jobs, protesters also demanded reservations in educational institutions for their children, free education and scholarships and other such benefits, which would ease their monetary troubles.

ANI