Islamic militants fighting Indian forces in Kashmir have been offered a cash incentive of more than $4,000 each if they lay down their arms and surrender.
| That's good money in Kashmir... |
But they can only cash their cheques after three years of good behaviour.
| And what do they eat on in the meantime? |
More than 40,000 people have died since Kashmir's separatist conflict began in 1989. Recent initiatives to resolve the dispute include talks between India and Pakistan set for later this month and an unprecedented meeting last month between moderate separatist leaders and India's political leadership. However, Kashmir's hardline separatists, who are more representative of the region's militant forces, were not invited to New Delhi. Now Kashmir's Indian Government is trying to lure the rebels with money, offering every surrendering militant $4,300, as well as a monthly pension. The Government is also offering retraining and employment schemes. |