13.5.19

Somewhere in Kashmir....

A three-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Sumbal village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district by a fellow villager on Friday. The crime triggered massive protests across Kashmir Valley on Sunday, with people from all quarters coming together, cutting across political and ideological divides.

Demonstrations were held in several parts of north and central Kashmir. — including Sumbal, Malik Mohalla, and Trehgam — before spilling over to Magam, Budgam Chowk and Khomeni Chowk in Srinagar’s Bemina area. Police had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Six agitators sustained minor injuries following clashes with police.

Protesters demanded exemplary punishment for the accused Tahir Ahmad Mir, who was arrested on Saturday. He was booked under sections of the Ranbir Penal Code. A Special Investigation Team is probing the matter.

In view of the security situation, authorities snapped internet services in north Kashmir and parts of central Kashmir. Political and social leaders cut across their beliefs and ideologies in condemning the horrific crime.

Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, “Mortified to hear about the rape of a 3-year-old girl in Sumbal. What kind of a sick pervert would do this?

In a statement, the MMU an amalgam of all Islamic bodies including Shia, Suni, Barelvi, Ahlihadith and others — said the “shocking” crime has shaken the conscience of every Kashmiri and brought their heads down in shame.

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