Will work out J&K surrender policy,Chidambaram tells Omar

He did not agree with the view that this would lead to escalation of violence in the state since militant outfits could take advantage of the policy and send recruits.

We will work out the scheme patiently and carefully. Nothing will be done in a hurry. We will set up a procedure regulating their return once the scheme is finalised. I have identified some areas of concern like identification,facilitating their travel to this side of Jammu & Kashmir,debriefing and their rehabilitation within the community. This will take time, he said.

There is nothing wrong in case our youth want to leave weapons and come back to reunite with their families,lead a peaceful life. By formulating a surrender policy,we will be only facilitating that, he said.

Chidambaram said the idea was not new. The CRPF had raised one full battalion from militants who had surrendered and the BSF,he said,too had recruited 450 such people. He said a number of them had gone across the border for arms training. The Centre also has a surrender policy in the North-East.

Dispelling fears over his proposed policy,Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said there was nothing sinister or dangerous about it. By finalising a return policy,we will be able to monitor and correctly rehabilitate these youngsters into the mainstream, Abdullah said.

India cannot be deterred by terrorists

JAMMU: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said that India cannot be deterred by terrorists and assured that the government will make foolproof security arrangements for those participating in forthcoming international sport events in the country,including the Hockey World Cup.

We cannot be deterred by terrorists, he said,replying to a question about the threat issued by Pakistan-based chief of Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami Ilyas Kashmiri to foreign players against participating in forthcoming events in India.

I dont know what Kashmiri says,but we are committed to provide security to everybody including coaches,players,officials and whosoever participates in the Hockey World Cup, he said,adding,No one would be allowed to dictate terms to us.

Kashmiris warning to India was posted by the Asian Times Online. We warn the international community not to send their people in 2010 Hockey World Cup,IPL and Commonwealth Games…. Nor should their people visit India. If they do,they will be responsible for the consequences, Kashmiri had said in the message.

Pointing out that security forces have been doing a great job,he said that they are gradually gaining an upper hand over militants, he said. ENS