Omar Abdullah announces amnesty for stone-pelters not involved in arson

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday announced general amnesty scheme for youths involved in over 1,200 cases of stone-pelting in the Valley during last summer’s unrest. “We have decided to give the youths a second chance. Cases against all the youths arrested on charges of stone-pelting, but not involved in arson, registered during last year’s disturbance will be withdrawn,” Omar told reporters here. He said the criminal record of the youths will be cleared and they will get another chance to build a better future. “(However,) the cut off date for amnesty is today …. we cannot do it again and again. Anyone arrested till today on stone-pelting charges can avail this amnesty,” Omar said. The state government’s amnesty comes days ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr deadline set by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani demanding release of all persons involved during last summer’s unrest. Earlier this week, government released 12 political prisoners, including two close aides of Geelani. Geelani has threatened to launch an agitation after Eid if the government did not fulfil his demand. The chief minister said it was an Eidi (Eid gift) from his government to the youths, who were led astray and provoked into protests during last year’s unrest. PTI