Authorities in India-controlled Kashmir have declared an amnesty for more than 1,000 youths alleged to have attacked security forces during pro-independence protests last year in which more than 100 civilians died.

Indian Kashmir's chief minister, Omar Abdullah, said the government is dropping the cases to give the suspects “an opportunity to be responsible persons and lead a normal life.”

Abdullah said the government will prosecute protesters accused of setting fire to government offices and vehicles.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but claimed in its entirety by both.

The dispute has triggered two of the three wars fought by the neighbors since independence from colonial rule in 1947.