Widespread protests rocked the Kashmir Valley over the heinous incident of rape of a thee-year-old girl from Bandipora on May 9. A partial shutdown was observed across the Valley.

Stone-pelting incidents were reported at many places on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, leaving more than 10 civilians and 47 security personnel injured, the Baramulla police said in a statement. Despite several requests by the administration, the protesters did not pacify.

Educational institutions across the Valley also lodged protests. At the University of Kashmir and the Islamic University of Science and Technology, students took out rallies and sought justice for the victim. Security personnel were deployed outside degree colleges here to prevent the spread of protests.

In Srinagar, more than 20 demonstrations were reported. Members of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement, led by Shah Faesal, staged a protest at the Srinagar press enclave and demanded stern stern punishment for the accused.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bandipora, Rahul Malik said they had constituted a special investigation team for a speedy investigation into the case.

Itehadul Muslimeen, a religious organisation, had called for a complete shutdown across the Valley today. In a statement here, Itehadul Muslimeen president Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari termed the rape as a blot on the face of humanity.

“The presence of people with such ill intentions is proving a rot for society known for upholding its moral values for centuries. There is a dire need for evolving a joint strategy to deal with these elements,” he said.

Several areas across central Kashmir, North Kashmir and Srinagar’s commercial hub witnessed a shutdown.

“The accused should be given an exemplary punishment so that no one dares to repeat it,” said Aqib Sultan, a student from Anantnag.

Another student, Tamana Sheikh, said, “The incident has brought shame to the Valley. We must join hands to ensure that this does not happen in the future.”

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan has appealed to people to maintain law and order. “The inquiry into the incident is being conducted on fast-track basis and monitored by me as well,” he said in a statement.

Governor wants stern punishment for culprit 

Srinagar: Governor Satya Pal Malik has expressed shock and pain over the incident. He spoke to IGP, Kashmir zone, Swayam Prakash Pani and took a detailed review of the ongoing investigations into the case. He directed the police officials to work swiftly and ensure that the culprit gets exemplary punishment. The Governor also talked to religious leaders of various communities and asked them to appeal to people to remain calm and not let anti-social elements disturb peace and harmony, said a spokesperson for Raj Bhawan. Meanwhile, the Budgam DC called an urgent meeting of members of the Shia-Sunni Coordination Committee, Budgam,  in the backdrop of widespread protests across the district. TNS

Courtesy:The Tribune,May 14,2019