After Majid, one more shuns violence, ‘returns home’ in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 20: Days after footballer-turned-militant Majid Khan surrendered before Army, another local militant has shunned violence and ‘returned home’ following plea by his parents in south Kashmir.


A police officer confirmed the development, however, refused to give the details of the youth due to security reasons.
“Yes, a youth, who was an active militant, has shunned violence and return home in south Kashmir. But, the identity of the youth will be revealed only after there is no threat to his life,” he said.

An ace footballer, who had joined Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) two weeks back, surrendered before Army on Thursday night in south Kashmir. Majid had surrendered days after a video of his mother pleading him to return went viral on social media. The footballer’s father Irshad Ahmad Khan had suffered a heart attack on hearing that Majid was trapped in an encounter with security forces on November 14.

LeT had claimed that Majid was let go by the militant outfit keeping the condition of his parents in mind. But, the claim was rejected by security force agencies.

The Army had termed surrender of Majid as a 'brave move by the young man and said no charges will be framed against him and will be helped to rehabilitate.

Following Majid’s return, two more videos of parents appealing their sons were doing rounds on social media. Both the youth were in their twenties and belonged to Shopian and Pulwama districts in south Kashmir.

But, it was not immediately clear if the youth who has surrendered was one of the two youth.

Lt Gen J S Sandhu, Corps Commander, Chinar Corps on Sunday had asked local militants not to be a proxy for Pakistan and appealed to them to shun the path of violence and once again join the mainstream.

The appeal of Lt Gen Sandhu to local militants was echoed by Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid and IG (Operations) of CRPF Zulfiquar Hasan during a joint press conference held at headquarters of 15 crops in Badami Bagh cantonment here on Sunday.

Dr Vaid said it is a very encouraging trend that parents are coming out and appealing to their children, who have joined militant ranks, to shun violence and join the mainstream.
“I would request other mothers to appeal to their children to leave the path of violence and surrender because we don’t want to harm anyone,” the DGP said.