LeT poster boy gives up the gun

     Footballer returns after appeals by family and friends

Majid Khan at Awantipora on Friday

A fresh Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) recruit, Majid Khan, who was fast turning into a poster boy of the military, on Friday "returned home and gave up the gun" in the wake of repeated appeals made by the family and friends on social media. The 20-year-old was a local football star.

'Not to press charges'

"The brave boy decided himself give up violence and get back into the mainstream. We ensured he safely returned after we came to know about an opportunity (of his charges) on Thursday. No charges will be pressed against him so that he pursues his career and sporting passion", said general officer Commanding (GOC), Victor Force Maj Gen B.S. Raju.

GOC Raju also offered a surrender option to those militants involved in crimes but intend to return. "They may have to face the la of the land. But we will ensure their return to the mainstream," he said.

Mr. Khan who was mentally disturbed after the killing of his close friend Yawar Nisar on an encounter in August this year-joined the LeT two weeks ago.