JK Govt orders withdrawal of cases against 4327 youths involved stone pelting incidents
Srinagar, November 30: With an aim to restore the trust of people in the administration, law and order etc, Jammu and Kashmir government taking a massive step on Wednesday ordered the withdrawal of cases against 4,327 youth involved stone pelting incidents.
CM Mehbooba Mufti also instructed DGP SP Vaid to regularly monitor the progress of the government’s decision and submit reports every fortnight. The chief minister has also asked a high-powered committee to review cases from the year 2015 to till date. However, the panel is yet to submit its report.
Earlier, in the last week, CM Mehbooba Mufti announced the withdrawal of cases against youths involved in stone-pelting for the first time offender. Also, the decision has been taken considering the suggestion of the Centre's special representative Dineshwar Sharma.
On 22nd November of this year, CM Mehbooba Mufti while announcing a withdrawal of cases said, on Twitter, “It gives me immense satisfaction to restart the process of withdrawing FIRs against first time offenders of stone pelting. My government had initiated the process in May, 2016 but it was unfortunately stalled due to the unrest later that year.”
The Chief Minister also said, “This confidence building measure reaffirms the Central government’s commitment towards changing the narrative in J&K & creating a reconciliatory atmosphere for sustained dialogue.” “It is encouraging that the interlocutor has started on a positive note. His recommendations are being taken seriously by both the Central & State government,” CM Mufti added. “It is a ray of hope for these young boys and their families. This initiative will provide them an opportunity to rebuild their lives,” the CM concluded.
Importantly, this is not the first instance when CM Mehbooba Mufti ordered the withdrawal of cases against youth involved stone pelting incidents. Two months after assuming power in 2016, CM Mehbooba Mufti had withdrawn 104 cases, filed between 2008 and 2014, against 634 local youths. However, the process was stopped due to continued unrest in the valley.
