Mehbooba Mufti announces amnesty to first-time stone pelters

Jammu Nov 23 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has announced amnesty to first-time stone pelters officials said on Thursday.

In a Twitter post on Wednesday night Mufti said: "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 is a ray of hope for these young boys and their families. This initiative will provide them an opp ortunity to rebuild their lives."

The Centre s special representative on Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma had recommended the move to instil confidence among the stakeholders for a sustained dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.

--IANS
sq/ksk