Centre has advised Jammu and Kashmir government to withdraw cases of first time offenders involved in stone-pelting. Sources in the Home Ministry said, over 4,500 cases against youths involved in stone pelting for the first time will be dropped in a bid to win hearts in the Kashmir Valley. <br/><br/>The decisions were considered to be part of discussions held by Centre's Special Representative to J&K, Dineshwar Sharma during his visit to the Valley. <br/><br/>Centre may also consider rehabilitating locals who have joined militant groups but have not indulged in any heinous crime. The Ministry said, misguided youth, who became first-time offenders in the recent law and order situations need a chance to build their career and participate in job opportunities rather than being labeled as criminal for life. <br/><br/>The government will also enhance the compensation to the policemen killed during encounters. At present, a local policeman's kin gets 40 lakh rupees as compensation.

The Centre has asked Jammu and Kashmir Government to withdraw cases of first time offenders involved in stone-pelting. <br/><br/>Over 4,500 cases against youths involved in stone pelting for the first time will be dropped in a bid to win hearts in the Kashmir Valley, reports news agency PTI. <br/><br/>The Centre may also consider rehabilitating locals who have joined militant groups but have not indulged in any heinous crimes.<br/><br/>The government will also enhance the compensation to the policemen killed during encounters. <br/><br/>At present, a local policeman's kin gets 40 lakh rupees as compensation. <br/>The decisions were considered to be part of discussions held by interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma during his visit to the Valley for talking with all stakeholders. <br/><br/>These issues were discussed in detail recently at the core group on Kashmir, chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.