Kashmir Newz Specials

Repatriating militants’ wives: Another thorny issue for Congess-PDP

The government in Indian administered Kashmir is planning to repatriate non-state subject wives of militants surrendering on the ceasefire line back to Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir. The move can prove to be another thorny issue between Kashmir’s main ruling allies, Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Srinagar, Aug 17, 2007:

PDP has long been calling for repatriation of Kashmiri youth who had crossed over to Pakistan administered Kashmir for arms training, but are now willing to return to their homes.

The State government maintains that Kashmiri youth, who had returned after spending years either in Pakistan administered Kashmir or different parts of Pakistan, could be accepted, but not their wives who are Pakistani citizens.

Congress and the PDP are already at loggerheads over the issue of popular demand of troop withdrawal, revocation of the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act and self-rule in the region.

The issue of deporting wives of surrendering militants back to Pakistan administered Kashmir and Pakistan generated a lot of heat in New Delhi last month at a meeting of top security officials, which was chaired by former Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt.

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