Leaders want accused tried in fast-track court

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 13

All parties Hurriyat Conference, while seeking exemplary punishment for the accused involved in the rape of a 3-year-old child in Bandipora, has demanded establishment of a fast track court into the matter.

The Hurriyat also warned against sectarian elements, urging the Kashmiri Muslims to maintain unity.

“Fervent appeal to all people of Kashmir to maintain unity and vigil, especially in view of mischievous forces waiting to create a sectarian divide out of this most reprehensible crime against a child, which is indeed a crime against all humanity. All of Kashmir stands in unison (sic),” Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar tweeted.

The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (Joint Council of Islamic Scholars), headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also sought exemplary punishment to the guilty. The MMU, an amalgam of all religious bodies, including Shia, Suni, Barelvis, Ahlihadith and others sects in Islam, said the act had once again shown in which direction Kashmir, that was once a religious society, was heading.

Lawyers suspend work

The Kashmir High Court Bar Association abstained from work on Monday to show solidarity with the rape victim and her family. The bar has also demanded an investigation by a SIT, headed by an SP-rank official, adding that the challan of the case must be put up before a fast track court immediately and the proceedings thereof be conducted on day-to-day basis so that exemplary punishment is awarded to the accused.

Parties condemn incident

The J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) while condemning the rape incident as “shameful, heinous and a blot on the rich culture of Kashmir” has sought “exemplary punishment to the culprit on fast track basis” to send across a strong message.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while expressing “anger and pain” over the incident, has pitched for “exemplary punishment” to the culprit. PDP vice president Abdul Rahman Veeri termed the incident as most gruesome and heinous, stating that if the culprit was allowed to go scot-free, Kashmir would soon turn into the most unsafe place for women.

People’s Conference general secretary Imran Reza Ansari also demanded severe punishment for the accused, while seeking action against the school for issuing “fake” date of birth of certificate to show that he was a minor.

Condemning the incident, CPM leader MY Tarigami said the “gruesome incident is a slap on the social fabric of Kashmir”. He said there should be no room for those who shield criminals under one garb or the other.