This has come as a whiff of fresh air in tense South Kashmir.
Days after he was spotted posing with an assault rifle in a photograph by his heartbroken family, young Football player Majid Khan has surrendered in Kashmir. A tearful video appeal by Majid's mother Ashiya Begum had gone viral on social media and thousands had urged the 20-year-old to quit militancy and return home. After surrendering to the security forces, he is currently being questioned in police custody.
Earlier this week, Majeed had announced his decision to join the Lashkar-e-Taiba on the social site Facebook. In this same Facebook post, he also had a photo, in which he was holding a one-47 rifle.
Majid is a famous footballer and has also worked with a non-governmental organization in the valley. Police officials had assured on Thursday that if Majid and other terrorists from the valley shun the path of violence and return to the mainstream, every effort will be made to rehabilitate them. Parents of the young man have no words to express their joy and relief at the same time.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed happiness at the decision. She tweeted to say that finally a mothers love has prevailed. She also assured that state government is committed to a rehabilitation policy of all such youth