Srinagar: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that her government was committed towards a rehabilitation policy of militants.

In a series of tweets following the reports that Majid Arshid Khan, a promising footballer has surrendered, a week after he joined the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Mehbooba also assured the rehabilitation policy ensures that they are not harassed.

“My government is committed towards a rehabilitation policy that secures their future and ensures that they are not harassed,” Mehbooba tweeted.

Majid, a young man from Anantnag town, a promising goalkeeper, reportedly surrendered before army along with the weapon.

The Chief Minister said the choice to renounce violence by the youth was not an easy one and they find themselves between the devil and the deep blue sea. “The fear of social stigma clouds their judgement,” she said.

“I understand the predicament of young boys who have strayed into militancy. Most realise the futility of senseless violence & want to return home and live normal lives with dignity,” she added.

Majid’s surrender followed a video of his mother Asyia crying, asking him to return home. The video had gone viral. Later his friends joined the chorus with one of them writing on his Facebook: “Please come back Majid Soba… We love you… Your parents, friends and relatives are waiting for you. We will support you… Please come back.

“A mother’s love prevailed. Her impassioned appeal helped in getting Majid, an aspiring footballer back home. Every time a youngster resorts to violence, it is his family which suffers the most,” Mehbooba said in the tweets.

Guest