Government forces including police and army today produced ace footballer-turned-militant Majid Khan, who abandoned gun after widespread appeals by people and parents, before media and said that he would not be charged or harassed in any way and will be allowed to live normal life.“I must tell you that this was a brave decision taken by this individual, keeping in mind the state of his parents and also to pursue his own career in academics,” GOC Victor Force Major General BS Raju told reporters in Awantipora. He said last night they were informed that Majid wants to return and they acted accordingly and was brought safely.“Having facilitating his return, we also want to assure that there will be no charges pressed on him and that he would be able to get back to normal life very soon. I also want assure that we sitting here would like to provide him all opportunities to return to the mainstream to pursue his career as well as his sporting talent,” the GOC said. He thanked his parents, media and all others who appealed him to return back home.
The GOC said asked families of other militants to take case of Majid’s parents a great example and urge their wards to come back. “I would request all you to carry forward that appeal so that right sense prevails on those people who are on the other side of the fence to come back,” he said, while seeking support of media men.The IGP Kashmir, Munir Ahmad Khan also complimented family, friends of Majid and media for influencing him to come back. He said Majid was neither arrested nor he surrendered but came on his own to re-join his family. “…His father, friends were instrumental in bringing him back,” he said, adding that they stick “to our policy of letting the youth who have treaded wrong path to come back”.“I reiterate the appeal to all local youths to come back to their homes, live with respect, concentrate on your studies and business and restore peace,” the IGP said. He said that Majid or other boys like him who would like to come back would not be harassed and would be instead rehabilitated. “They are part of this society. They have every right to live in this society with respect with dignity,” he said. He also rejected claim of Lashkar-e-Toiba wherein he said that they permitted Majid to leave its ranks. (GNS)