Srinagar: The Government of India has announced releasing first time offenders involved in recent ‘law and order situations’ and withdrawal of cases against them. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also given orders for increasing compensation for cops who lose their lives during counter-insurgency operations and allotting more power during winter to the state.
“The misguided youth in J&K who became first time offenders in the recent law and order situations because of prevailing circumstances need a chance to rebuild their career and participate in job opportunities rather than being labelled as criminals for their entire life,” read the MHA’s suggestions.
“Considering this human aspect, MHA has advised the State Government of J&K to consider releasing first time offenders involved in recent Law and Order situations and withdraw cases against them,” the order says.
Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel have been in the forefront of anti-terrorist activities along with the Central Armed Police Forces, it says.
“There has been a demand to make their Ex-gratia relief at par with CAPF. GoI has decided to step up its share of Ex-Gratia relief so that the Ex-Gratia relief to JKP personnel will now be enhanced and made at par with CAPF personnel.”
“It will now be Rs 30 Lakhs in cases where death occurs in course of performing duties attributed to act of violence by terrorists, anti social elements etc. Rs 18 Lakhs will be given from the State Budget of J&K and additional Rs 12 Lakhs will be re-imbursed by MHA,” the order says.
“Due to intermittent ceasefire violations and cross border firing, the people living in border areas have been suffering unexpected losses in terms of damaged houses, agriculture, livestock etc. affecting their livelihood. As a new initiative, MHA will re-imburse the expenditure incurred by the State Government for providing relief to people affected by cross border firing at rates that equal NDRF guidelines.”
“Similarly, considering the active role being played by the Special Police Officers (SPOs) in combating terrorism their Ex-Gratia relief is being enhanced from Rs 2 Lakhs to Rs 5 Lakhs. This entire amount will be re-imbursed to the State Government by MHA.”
“Considering the huge power shortage in the State of Jammu and Kashmir Power Ministry of Government of India will allocate additional power to the tune of 800 Mega Watts during this winter,” it says.
(With inputs from KNS)
