J-K Govt. announces ex-gratia for Burhan's elder brother

The Mehbooba Mufti government has sanctioned ex-gratia compensation to slain terrorist Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's father in the case of killing of his other son, Khalid Wani.

Pulwama Deputy Commissioner Muneel- ul- Islam said, "In Kashmir, we have been facing a lot of problems for the last 30 odd years, so the government has decided to set up the District Level Screening-cum-Consultative Committee (DLSCC). On December 24, we had a meeting, where 150 cases came up and we cleared 125 cases."

Talking about Khalid Wani's case, he said: "It was a routine case among 140 odd cases. There is nothing special about who was (or) who wasn't. It's not the case of who he was (or) who he is not. Based on the preliminary report who have tentatively cleared it. But ultimately it will depend on the objections filed by the departments that we will take the final call."

 

Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Suhail Bukhari said, "Chairman of the community has issued a notice in public, asking people, individual or even organisations to come forth with any objections before a final decision is taken on this count; that's precisely what has happened. That's what I have heard so far. As I mentioned it's an administrative matter, which has been dealt at district magistrate level."

"The clarity on this issue will come after some time. A district-level screening committee has acted on it and they have issued a notice in news paper, saying asking people to come with final decision. We are looking at the procedure of committee and will further investigate as it is an administrative matter," he added.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ravinder Raina said, "Compensation is always to those who are killed by the terrorist; terrorists are not compensated as per law, and if there is any move, we will oppose that move."

Congress media in charge Randeep Surjewala said, "To award compensation to those which Indian Army claims to be Hizbul Mujahideen reflects a compromise being on India's integrity as also against the valiant efforts of India's army by the BJP-PDP government in Jammu and Kashmir."

As per report, the ex-gratia relief entitles a victim's family to a payment of Rs. four lakh or employment for a member of the family.

Burhan had left home at the age of 15 in October 2010 to join the Hizbul Mujahideen, while his brother Khalid lived in Tral in Pulwama with his family. The 25-year-old, who was pursuing a Masters degree in Political Science from IGNOU, reportedly told his mother on the afternoon of April 13, 2015 that he was going for a picnic, however, his body was found in the nearby jungles hours later.

However, Burhan Wani and two other terrorists were killed in an encounter in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8.

Wani featured in videos circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp aimed at recruiting young Kashmiri men for terror.

Reportedly, there was a Rs. 10 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest.