Home Ministry explores new entry for ex militants
The Union Home Ministry is not in favour of adding Nepal as a designated route for return of “misguided” Kashmiri youth from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under the J&K government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy in force since 2010.
According to sources in the security establishment, though Kashmir militants and terrorists have been using Nepal as an informal transit route to re-enter India along with their families, the fear of their being targeted by Pakistan’s ISI once the arrangement is formalised has made the central security establishment wary.
While around 450 militants have clandestinely returned from POK to India via Nepal, this does not qualify as a valid arrangement under the surrender policy and does not entitle them to its benefits. In contrast, not a single militant has re-entered India via the three designated routes: Salamabad, Chakanda-Bagh and Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi -ever since the “confidencebuilding measure” was announced by the erstwhile Omar Abdullah government.
According to sources in the security establishment, though Kashmir militants and terrorists have been using Nepal as an informal transit route to re-enter India along with their families, the fear of their being targeted by Pakistan’s ISI once the arrangement is formalised has made the central security establishment wary.
While around 450 militants have clandestinely returned from POK to India via Nepal, this does not qualify as a valid arrangement under the surrender policy and does not entitle them to its benefits. In contrast, not a single militant has re-entered India via the three designated routes: Salamabad, Chakanda-Bagh and Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi -ever since the “confidencebuilding measure” was announced by the erstwhile Omar Abdullah government.
According to sources in the central intelligence agencies, the militants have been avoiding the designated routes fearing a backlash from Pakistani terror outfits and ISI, which can easily track their return as they leave POK through the official transit points. An official said the terrorists are forced to return via Nepal after informing the J&K authorities through their families based in the state, so as to avoid surveillance by ISI. Were the Nepal route to be formalised, the ISI would tighten scrutiny on POK-based Kashmiris flying out from Pakistan to Nepal.This would bring them retribution from ISI.
“It is felt that the informal arrangement is a more secure one,” said an officer.
Incidentally , another point under discussion is return of these militants via Dubai.”This route would arouse minimum suspicion. Besides, it does not need to be notified as an official transit route, as such militants can re-enter India via Delhi airport, which is already in the list of designated entry points under the surrender and rehabilitation policy,” said an officer.
Even though the policy has met little success as not a single militant has come in from the designated routes, the central security establishment is in favour of continuing with the same as it gives confidence to the people of J&K that those who have crossed over to POK have a chance of returning home.
“It is felt that the informal arrangement is a more secure one,” said an officer.
Incidentally , another point under discussion is return of these militants via Dubai.”This route would arouse minimum suspicion. Besides, it does not need to be notified as an official transit route, as such militants can re-enter India via Delhi airport, which is already in the list of designated entry points under the surrender and rehabilitation policy,” said an officer.
Even though the policy has met little success as not a single militant has come in from the designated routes, the central security establishment is in favour of continuing with the same as it gives confidence to the people of J&K that those who have crossed over to POK have a chance of returning home.
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