J&K govt relaxes passport norms for former militants & kin

Srinagar, Aug 1: The government of

on Thursday decided to issue passports to those who had crossed over to Pakistan or Pak-occupied (PoK) Kashmir to receive arms training and their kin for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Chief Minister

took the decision after getting a large number of requests from former

, their kin and political parties.

The decision, which however has come with a few riders, is set to bring relief to over 60,000 people.

Sources in the government said the decision "to liberalise the policy for issuance of verification for obtaining passports" was taken in view of the security scenario and maintain with its citizen-friendly policies.

The govt said the decision was taken in view of citizen-friendly policies

The policy clears issuance of Haj and Umrah passport to those applicants whose relatives entered the PoK and Pakistan 15 years ago and stayed there peacefully and exhibited a good conduct.

Around 60,000 cases of passports were stuck because of the security clearance.

Oneindia News