J&K draft of return policy for militants

Mains Paper 3: Security| Linkages of organized crime with terrorism

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Particulars of the Policy

Mains level: Militancy and cross-border terrorism in India

These are the key points of a new “reintegration policy” draft that is under the consideration of the government to encourage militants hailing from the state to give up arms.

Draft Reintegration Policy

J&K govt is considering a policy for return of youth from militancy.
The policy draft is presently at the pre-SAC stage.
It is subject to clearance by the State Home Department and the Chief Secretary.
The State Administrative Council (SAC) is the body governing J&K, which is under President’s rule, and is led by the Governor and includes his four advisors and a Chief Secretary.

Features of the Policy

The new initiative addresses the need for rehabilitation at a policy level through a two-pronged approach: reformative measures and opportunities of livelihood.
There is also provision for a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 for a militant who surrenders with a view to “encourage him to join the mainstream”.
The initiative, however, will not cover militants found to have been involved in “heinous crimes”.

Why such move?

The Army after the deadly Pulwama attack has made it very that anyone who picks up the gun, will be executed unless he surrenders.
There is a very good surrender policy being initiated by the government so that they can join the mainstream.
It is essential for the government to demonstrate its will to reach out to alienated youth.
The successful implementation of a surrender policy is of utmost importance in J&K as there are a large number of surrendered or released militants (around 25,000).
The successful rehabilitation of one hardcore surrendered or released militant will motivate others to follow suit.

Way Forward

The proposed policy is essentially a revised version of earlier initiatives but with a renewed focus on socio-economic re-integration.
It will be a haste to expect miracles overnight.
It will take a lot of effort on the part of everyone to implement it successfully, especially the civil society and political establishment have a major role in motivating and bringing them back into the mainstream.