Let caged birds fly. . .

 

 

Is it appropriate for the government of India provide safe passage to the militants? Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Chairman of the Task Force constituted by the Centre on Kashmir, submitted a report to the government, suggesting safe passage to militants lodged in various jails in Kashmir to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Ansari first presented his report during the second round table on Kashmir. The measure was touted as an important tool to free Kashmir of terrorism. The report claimed that the Pakistani nationals imprisoned for petty crime should be released. The terrorists trained in PoK should be recalled and rehabilitated. The task force also recommended that the Armed Forces Special Act and Disturbed Area Act should be repealed in Kashmir. 



Fear factor

Task Force on Kashmir moots safe passage to criminals lodged in Indian prisons

Idea earlier voiced by former PoK PM Sardar Qayyum

But, fears abound . . .



Ansari told TSI that the final decision on the unanimously passed report will be taken in the subsequent round table meetings. Other members of the seven-member Task Force include former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Incidentally, former Prime Minister of PoK, Sardar Abdul Qayyum, during his recent visit to India, had mooted the idea of allowing a safe passage to POK residents lodged in Indian jails. Ansari does not agree that his report was inspired by Qayyum's statements, because it does not envisage a safe passage to the Jehadis and hardcore terrorists. Talking to TSI, the Task Force member and chairman of Panun Kashmir, Dr Agnishekhar lamented that the report was being incorrectly interpreted, as if we were recommending the rehabilitation of 4,000 terrorists who had crossed the Line of Control to be trained in terrorist activities. Are we releasing the terrorists who hijacked Indian Airlines plane? The setting free of the prisoners will be properly screened and only petty criminals will be released to promote peace and confidence among the Kashmiris.

The J&KPDP president Mehbooba Mufti told TSI that she had demanded release of Kashmiri youth who had agreed to lay down arms and wished to return from the PoK to the Valley. The Farooq Abdullah government had already set a precedent by releasing about 100 petty criminals from prisons.