NEW DELHI: Keen on a “sustainable improvement” in Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre has advised the state government to release first-time offenders and also withdraw cases against them while also deciding to back the police for counter-terror successes through enhanced ex-gratia relief for fatalities.

The relief for state police personnel killed in acts of violence will now be at par with central forces. Among other measures finalised by the home ministry in consultation its special representative for J&K Dineshwar Sharma and the state government are enhancing compensation for families of special police officers (SPOs) killed in terror-related incidents to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 2 lakh, reimbursement of expenditure incurred by state government for providing relief to residents affected by cross-border firing and allocation of an additional 800 Mega Watts of power to tide over the huge power shortage foreseen this winter.

The decisions, an official told TOI, are aimed at earning the confidence of the people of J&K and boosting motivational levels of J&K police and special police officers (SPOs) fighting terrorists along with the Army and central forces. Orders notifying the measures are being issued, according to home ministry sources.

The decision to grant amnesty to Kashmiri youth swayed by radical propaganda and who participated for the first time in violent protests in the Valley post-July 2016, and other steps flow from the informal dialogue initiated by home minister Rajnath Singh during his visits to J&K and now being taken forward by Sharma. The olive branch is expected to benefit around 41 first-time offenders currently in jail and 700 others out on bail. However, second and third-time offenders will be dealt as per law.

“Most beneficiaries are in the age group of 18-25 years and are just starting in life. The criminal cases will spoil their future as they may be shunned by potential employers and not get a passport. The resulting frustration may push them to join terrorist ranks. It is strongly felt that the youth must be given a fresh chance to rebuild their career and take up job opportunities rather than being labelled as criminals for entire life,” said an officer.

Acknowledging the leading role played by J&K police in felling nearly 190 terrorists, including several top commanders, this year, the Centre has decided to accept the long-standing demand to make their ex-gratia relief at par with central forces. The government of India will step up its share of ex-gratia relief awarded to J&K police personnel killed in line of duty, thus enhancing the total amount to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 23 lakh. While Rs 18 lakh will be given from the J&K state budget, an additional Rs 12 lakh will be reimbursed by the home ministry.

The Centre has, for the first time since Independence, decided to reimburse the expenditure incurred by J&K government on compensating border residents who suffer unexpected losses in terms of damaged houses and livelihood, due to cross-border firing. The rates laid down in NDRF guidelines for such compensation will apply.

Lastly, the power ministry of the government of India will allocate an additional 800 MW to J&K this winter.

