The Army said on Friday that Majid Khan, a footballer who joined the militants over a week ago, has decided to return home and that the military merely facilitated his decision.
Addressing a press conference at Awanipora Victor Force base, Major General B.S. Raju said: "The brave young man, Majid Khan, decided on his own to shun violence and return to lead a normal life pursuing his academics and passion for football.
"He was neither apprehended nor did he surrender. We only facilitated his return," he added. Majid made a brief presence at the press conference.
“I compliment him and assure him that he will be able to get back and lead a normal life very soon,” he told reporters.
The Kashmir Valley's police chief, Muneer Khan, said no charges would be pressed against Majid, 20, and he would be straightaway allowed to join his family.
On this occasion, Inspector General of Police Munir Khan while responding to a question said: “You seriously expected Lashkar to say he was in their group? What are you saying, they kill people and then don’t won up. How will they acknowledge this,” Khan said.
Army sources had earlier said that Majid surrendered after walking into a Rashtriya Rifles camp at Kulgam on Thursday evening.
He was handed over to Victor Force in Awantipora town which oversees all anti-militancy operations of the Army in south Kashmir.
Police on Friday assured the family of Majid Khan that no charges will be pressed against their son who has “returned home after shunning the path of violence”.
“On the night of 16th Nov 17, Majid Khan, a 20 year old boy, an ace footballer from Anantnag returned to his parents. The boy had gone astray a few days back however, on his own initiative he has shunned the path of violence and understood his obligations towards his parents,” said a spokesman.
“Majid is the only son of his parents who has displayed boldness and strength in his decision. On his return, the Security Forces have reassured him and his family that no charges will be pressed against him,” he said.
Forces once again exhort all young local boys who have gone astray or have joined the militants to shun the path of violence and come back to their families, he said.
“The Security Forces will welcome them and help them in their endeavours whole-heartedly,” said the spokesman.