Footballer-turned-LeT terrorist shuns violence, returns home

MajidIrshad Khan, a 20-year-old footballer who used to play as goalie for his team in Anantnag, renounced the life of violence behind and returned to mainstream after the heart wrenching video of his inconsolable mother appealing him 'to come back or kill them' went viral.

Majid had shocked the Valley when he posted pictures of himself flaunting a gun on Facebook announcing his joining terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) last week. However the emotional appeal by his mother and efforts of the army, made him reconsider his decision and return to the mainstream.

"I would say again he neither surrendered nor has he been apprehended. He has come back to his family on his own. He went on his own and he came on his own. Of course his parents and friends were instrumental in bringing him back. We stick to our policy of letting youth who have traded wrong path to comeback. We will welcome them with open arms," said Munir Ahmad Khan, inspector general of police, Kashmir Zone.

The Army launched an operation to bring him back safely on Thursday evening after sensing the first opportunity that Majid wants to give up militancy and return to his roots.

"In the evening we got information that there is an opportunity from the family that this individual wants to come back. And we did what we was needed to ensure that the individual was safely brought in. I must tell you that this was the very brave decision taken by this individual. We have already ensured that made initial contact with his family", said Major General BS Raju, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Indian army's, Victor Force.

The army commander said Majid khan had strayed from the beaten path for a little while and on his own decided to come back having realized the folly of the path he had taken for that he deserves the compliment.

"Having facilitated his return we also want to assure there will be no charges pressed on him (so that) he is able to get back to normal life soon. I want to assure that we sitting here will provide him all opportunities to return to mainstream both pursue his career and sporting talent", said the GOC.

The army commander used this occasion to appeal the misguided youth to shun the path of militancy and join the mainstream and live a peaceful life.

"I wish to appeal again to those youth who have gone astray and who want to return on this path and who have committed no crime and follow the footsteps of Majid Khan. We will take full care of them", he said. "I also would like to say those people who have been coerced to take some actions, where they have committed some criminal acts, we would like to request them to come back within the provisions of law and necessary steps will b taken so that they can get back to mainstream".

Major General Raju said they intend to demonstrate the intent by taking care of Majid. "Full facilitation will be there as far as this is concerned. We look it as great example for the parents whose kids have gone to make their appeal", he said

Inspector General of Police promised rehabilitation of the youth who shun violence and assured that there will be no harassment.

"Rehabilitation is not only possible, but possible in a very effective manner. They (misguided youth) are part of this society and they have every right to live in this society with respect and dignity. We are true to our words. Only yesterday there was a live example where a terrorist who killed our jawan was rescued by our jawans and taken to hospital. What more can be example of our sincerity and sticking to the policy", said Khan

IGP also rejected the claims of Lashkar-e-Toiba that Majid Khan was permitted to leave for his home on the request of his mother. 

"Do not talk about Lashkar. They kill people and then say we did not. They saw that the man has come back and they made the story", Khan said.

The return of Majid has evoked positive vibes across the society. From Majid's father to chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to Omar Abdullah, the homecoming of footballer has brought cheers back on the sullen faces.

"A mother's love prevailed. Her impassioned appeal helped in getting Majid, an aspiring footballer back home. Every time a youngster resorts to violence, it is his family which suffers the most", tweeted Mehbooba.

Omar, who is currently abroad also took to twitter hoping Majid Khan is not harassed. "If that's true then it's a very good development. Hope he can go back to leading a normal life & not be harassed," he said.

It was however the parents of Majid who were ecstatic about the return of their only son. "I got a new lease of life. Now I can stand back on my feet" said Irshad Khan, father of Majid, thanking everyone for the support.

APPEAL TO RETURN

Major General BS Raju said, “I appeal to those youth who have gone astray and want to return on this path and who have committed no crime to follow the footsteps of Majid Khan.  We will take full care of them.”