JK CM announces amnesty scheme for stone-pelters

Srinagar, Aug 28 (PTI) 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last year's disturbance will be withdrawn," Omar told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.