EMPLOYMENT TO YOUTHS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

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RAJYA SABHA

The Rajya Sabha was told that a sizeable number of youths have given up the path of militancy in Jammu & Kashmir and have settled down to lead a peaceful life. From 1991 to July, 2003, a total of 2405 militants have surrendered before security forces and J&K Police after shunning the path of violence. This figure includes 85 militants who had surrendered between January and July, 2003.

Giving this information in the House in a written reply the Minister of State for Home, Shri I.D. Swami said it is incorrect to state that these surrendered militants live without any source of income. Most of them are earning their livelihood by engaging themselves in petty businesses or getting themselves employed in various private firms and enterprises.

In August, 1995, Government of Jammu & Kashmir had announced a policy for surrender and rehabilitation of militants. This policy was revised by the State Government in 1997. Under the State policy, the surrendered militants have been provided with employment/self-employment opportunities. Majority of them have been engaged as Special Police Officers (SPOs) under Jammu & Kashmir Police. Some of them were also recruited by BSF and CRPF. Rest were mostly rehabilitated under self-employment schemes of running petty businesses, transport/tourist video coaches etc.