While demanding stern action against the accused, protesters sought immediate action against the school principal who had allegedly issued a certificate declaring the accused a minor.
AGENCIES / SRINAGAR
Protest and demonstrations continued in different parts of Kashmir valley for the second today over the rape of a three-year-old girl in Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora.
Hundreds of people assembled at Press Enclave at Residency Road in Srinagar demanding death penalty to the accused. They said a probe in the case should be done on a fast-track basis.
Protests were reported in Maisuma, Zadibal, Alamgari Bazar, Khoemnani Chowk, Bemina, Hawal, Lawaypora and other areas of the city due to which spontaneous shutdown was observed in Srinagar and parts of other districts. At Saida Kadal, Hassanabad clashes were reported between the government forces and protesters.
Police used tear gas shells to disperse the protestors.
Massive protests were also reported from Dal Lake interiors where protestors demanded capital punishment for the accused.
Ittehadul Muslimeen President, Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari while protesting at Press Enclave termed the rape as a blot on the face of humanity.
“We have to wake up against these crimes and there is a dire need of evolving a joint strategy to deal with these elements,” he said.
The minor girl was allegedly raped by a local boy on May 9, prompting Police to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.
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J&K Governor for exemplary punishment to Bandipora rapist
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has expressed shock and pain over the extremely heinous incident of rape of a 3-year-old girl from Bandipora district.
On learning about the unfortunate incident, Governor spoke to IGP Kashmir S P Pani and took detailed review of the ongoing investigations into the case.
He directed the IGP to work swiftly in the case and ensure that the culprit gets exemplary punishment for this shameful act.
The Raj Bhavan spokesperson said the Governor has also talked to religious leaders of different communities and asked them to deplore this gruesome incident unanimously and make appeal to the people to remain calm and not let antisocial elements disturb peace and harmony in the society.
Malik urged the parents, teachers and prominent citizens to take significant steps in imbibing children with morally sound and value-based education so as to build a strong foundation for our society based on compassion and kindness.
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The accused has been arrested and the investigation is on. However, the medical report is yet to come in the case.
The family of the victim alleged she was sexually assaulted by the youth who lives in their neighborhood.
The spontaneous shutdown was observed in parts of the Valley following outrage on the incident.
Later, the protestors assembled at Rainawari Chowk and dispersed peacefully. In Kashmir University, students took out a protest march from Sir Syed Gate to Rumi Gate and students were seen raising pro-justice slogans.
In view of the security situation, authorities snapped internet services for a few hours in north Kashmir and parts of central Kashmir as a precautionary measure.
In Mirgund area of Baramulla, protesters blocked the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway and disrupted traffic for several hours.
The government forces used tear smoke canisters to disperse the angry protestors. Protests were also reported from Degree College Sopore, SKAUST University Wadura campus, Government Boys Higher Secondary Sopore, Mirgund, Chainabal, Harthrath, Singhpora, Jheel Bridge, Kripalpora Payeen, Hanjiwera, and Delina areas of Baramulla.
The protesters while demanding stern action against the accused sought immediate action against the school principal who had allegedly issued a certificate declaring the accused a minor.
However, a Police official said at least 47 forces personnel including an assistant commandant of SSB were injured during protests at various locations along the highway.
“Seven civilians were also injured during the clashes,” he said. “Miscreants also staged protest and pelted stones at the government forces deployed on the highway. Two ambulances were also damaged partially by the angry mob at Chenabal area of Pattan,” the official said.
Similarly, in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, protests were reported in Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Government Women’s Degree College Pulwama, Main Chowk Pulwama, Shalina Samarbugh and District Court Complex Pulwama.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan appealed people to maintain peace, brotherhood and law and order.