Shopian, Feb 2: A sit-in protest was organized here on Tuesday against the State Government for not allowing International Peoples Tribunal, an independent human rights group, to probe into the rape and murder of Asiya and Neelofar. The call for the protest was given by Majlis-i-Mashawarat. The Majlis has called for a shutdown in the district on Thursday against the visit of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
 Since early morning people in large numbers gathered outside the Jamia Masjid and to participate in the three-hour sit-in. The protesters were demanding that the IPT be allowed to probe into the incident by providing them free access. They were carrying placards reading ‘Punish the culprits, Mr. CM: Let IPT probe the incident if you are sincere.’
 Pertinently, the Tribunal had sought the permission from the Government asking it to provide them access to the records of the case. But the Chief Minister in his reply had said that he had to seek consent from the Centre.
 The Majlis then set the February 1 deadline for the government to grant the permission after which it had threatened of massive protests.
 “If the Government is sincere and wants the real culprits to be exposed they should have no hesitation in providing access to any of the independent groups who want to probe the gruesome rape and murder of Asiya and Neelofar,” said Majlis President, Abdul Rashid Dalal, while addressing the protesters.
 Asking the people to make programs of the Majlis successful, he said, “The Government should keep in mind that until the culprits are brought to book, the people of Shopian will continue with their peaceful agitation.”
 He said that in a meeting convened by the Majlis it was unanimously decided that from today onwards the protests and sit-in would resume and the future programs will be announced soon.
 Speaking on the occasion, Majlis Secretary, Abdul Hamid Deva, said, “It is a pity that the Chief Minister has to seek consent from Central Government to grant a mere permission to an independent organization whose sole motive is to put facts before the public.”
 Deva said the Majlis was an apolitical organization whose sole motive was to seek justice for Asiya and Neelofar.
 The Majlis later called for Shopian Bandh on Thursday against the visit of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to the township.
 “We appeal all the people of the district to make the call a success and send a message to the Government that the culprits of rape and murder are still roaming free and we will fight till our last breath,” said Deva.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST