Amnesty to stone-pelters in Kashmir will encourage youth to shun violence: IG CRPF

Srinagar: A top paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer on Saturday said that amnesty given to first-time stone pelters in Kashmir was a “large-hearted” approach of the government.
IG CRPF Ravideep Sahi told reporters at Polo Ground in Srinagar that youth who have been granted amnesty should take benefit of this “large-hearted” approach. “It is a good step. It will encourage people to shun the path of violence. I wish and hope that people who have been granted amnesty should channelise their energy in a positive way,” said Sahi.
He also praised the efforts of the forces to wean off youth from militancy. “Off late, we have had success in this direction. Several people, including a footballer, shunned the path of violence and returned home,” said Sahi.
When asked about the killing of a woman Beauty Jan in alleged forces firing during Shopian gunfight, the top officer said that people need to follow the rule of law to avoid such killings. “Rule of law is very important. Once the restrictions have been imposed in the area, it becomes imperative on the citizen to follow the instructions. Now, if the rule of law is not being followed and if somebody comes out and as you know that encounter is going on, the bullets are flying all over, there is a chance that it may hit somebody,” he said, adding that forces always maintain lot of restraint.