Mehbooba Mufti announces amnesty for first-time stone-pelters in IoK

Ina rare move, Chief Minister of Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) Mehbooba Mufti announced an amnesty for first-time stone-pelters in the disputed valley.

According to Mufti, the Indian government would restart the process of withdrawing FIRs against first-time offenders.

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Mufti took to Twitter late on Wednesday night and posted a series of tweets in this regard.

It gives me immense satisfaction to restart the process of withdrawing FIRs against first time offenders of stone pelting. My government had initiated the process in May, 2016 but it was unfortunately stalled due to the unrest later that year.

“It gives me immense satisfaction to restart the process of withdrawing FIRs against first-time offenders of stone pelting.”

The Indian government had initiated the process in May 2016, she added, but it was unfortunately stalled due to the unrest later the same year.

She continued that the measure was taken to create a reconciliatory atmosphere in the valley for sustained dialogue.

This confidence building measure reaffirms the Central government’s commitment towards changing the narrative in J&K & creating a reconciliatory atmosphere for sustained dialogue.

“It is a ray of hope for these young boys and their families. This initiative will provide them [with] an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

It is encouraging that the interlocutor has started on a positive note. His recommendations are being taken seriously by both the Central & State government.

Indian forces, using pellet guns to disperse crowds of stone-throwing young protesters in the IoK of Himalayan Kashmir, have killed people, blinding hundreds and maiming thousands over the past year.

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Pellet guns are intended not to be lethal, but their use by India’s security forces has caused severe injuries and the deaths of several bystanders, women and children among them.