For peace, Omar Abdullah to withdraw cases against stone-pelters

Stone-pelters have a reason to simile as the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to withdraw cases against 3,000 miscreants allegedly involved in different crimes other than arson and destruction of public property. In the first phase, 1,524 stone-pelters involved in 228 cases will be granted amnesty

“Cases will be withdrawn, against those youth (stone-pelters) who are not involved in acts of arson and destruction of public property,” said Shiv Murari Sahai, inspector general of police (Kashmir zone).

Official figures reveal that the Jammu and Kashmir police has recommended withdrawal of 402 cases registered against stone-pelters in different police stations across Kashmir valley.

“There was some kind of misguided fervour among these youth but that does not mean that we should be heading against them for the rest of their lives,” said Sahai.

The process had started last year when chief minister Omar Abdullah made the announcement for general amnesty. Under the scheme, youth who were involved in the cases of stone pelting except those who have burnt government property, will be given another chance to become responsible citizens.

Official figures reveal around1,300 cases were registered against the stone throwers in the 16 months starting June 2010 of which less than 100 pertained to arson.