Baramulla takes lead, grants amnesty to 390 first time stone pelters

Baramulla in north Kashmir has become the first district in the state to withdraw cases against youth following Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s recent decision to grant amnesty to first-time stone throwers.
The authorities today withdrew FIRs against 390 persons, mostly youth, who were not habitual offenders and were not involved in heinous crimes.
The withdrawal of cases was announced at a function in the main Baramulla town by the district administration and the police authorities. The youth against whom the cases were withdrawn were also present along with their parents.
“We have withdrawn cases against 40 persons in Baramulla police district who are not habitual offenders and are not involved in heinous crimes,” said Baramulla Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imtiyaz Hussain, who presided over the function today.
The SSP said the cases had been withdrawn against 390 persons in Baramulla district, which also included 150 persons from the Sopore police district.
Sources in the police said more such cases were likely to be withdrawn against youth in north Kashmir in near future. “The matter is under consideration of the government,” sources said.
During the function held at Dak Bungalow in Baramulla, police and civil administration officers asked the parents to counsel their children so that they do not indulge in stone-throwing in future. Officers stressed upon the youth to “contribute positively to lasting peace” in the state.
While thanking Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Baramulla MLA Javaid Hassan Beigh said: “This initiative by the CM is based on her continued endeavour to ensure peace and development in the state with the focus on youth.”
Following recommendation by Centre’s interlocutor for J&K Dineshwar Sharma to withdraw cases against youth to instil confidence in the stakeholders for a sustained dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue, the Chief Minister had on November 23 announced amnesty to first-time stone throwers by initiating the process of withdrawing FIRs against them.
More than 11,500 cases have been registered against stone throwers since July 8 last year when trouble erupted in Kashmir following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces. Of them, over 4,500 cases were registered against first-time stone throwers.
Non-habitual offenders
The authorities in Baramulla district on Sunday withdrew FIRs against 390 persons, mostly youth, who are not habitual offenders and are not involved in heinous crimes
Baramulla SSP Imtiyaz Hussain said cases had also been withdrawn against 150 persons from the Sopore police district
11,500 cases filed since July 2016
More than 11,500 cases have been registered against stone throwers since July 8 last year when trouble erupted in Kashmir following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces. Of them, over 4,500 cases were registered against first-time stone throwers.