Shopian, May 29:  Protesting against the denial of justice to the victims of rape and murder, massive protests were witnessed here in this South Kashmir township on Saturday. The call for protests was given by the Majlis-I-Mushwarat, an amalgam seeking justice into the incident.
Amid complete shutdown people in large numbers gathered outside the Jamia Masjid and marched throughout the streets of the town protesting against the denial of justice to teenager, Asiya and her sister in law, Neelofar allegedly raped and murdered by men in uniform on May, 29 last year.  Their bodies where recovered from the Rambariah Nallah in the outskirts of the town on the next day.
Carrying placards reading, “Behano hum Sharminda hai aapkey Katil Zinda hai (Sisters we are ashamed as your killers are still roaming free); Initiate impartial probe by an international agency; Asiya and Neelofar victims of national interest” several youth were wearing black armbands and carrying black flags.  
“Our sentiment for fighting for the justice has not died down and it is still the same as it was on day one,” said a protesting youth adding that they will fight till their last drop of blood.
Later addressing the protesters, spokesperson, Majlis-I-Mushawarat, Muhammad Shafi Khan said, “Inquiry report is the outcome of occupation and until we are occupied, the incidents like Shopian double rape and murder, Chaksadipora gang rape case, Kunanposhpora gang rape case and Handwara mother-daughter duo rape case are bound to happen.”
Khan said that the agencies shielded the culprits in order to safeguard their national interests. “Had the same incident happened outside the state the Indian civil society and media would have mobilized and made it sure that justice is delivered to the victims but here they always maintain different yard stick,” said Khan while demanding an international probe into the incident.
He said that the primary concern of all the state agencies was to shield the culprits rather than bringing them to book.
Later, addressing the gathering the, the President of the Majlis, Abdul Rasheed Dalal said, “Inspite of all odds we are committed on our resolve and we will continue with our fight for justice. He stressed upon the people of Shopian to continue to remain resilient and steadfast in their fight for justice.
The Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front along with other activists visited Shopian and joined the protest demonstrations and sit in.
Hailing the people of Shopian for their sustained struggle against the denial of justice he also appreciated the role of Majlis in providing direction to the agitation. He also appealed the people to desist from participating in the rallies of pro-Indian parties and participating in any kind of election under the auspices of Indian democracy.
The Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who too was scheduled to visit the town, was, however, put under house arrest in his Nigeen residence.
In the evening a torch borne procession after Magrib Prayers was taken out from the residence of Shakeel Ahangar, brother of Asiya and husband of Neelofar which after marching through out the town culminated at the same place.
Earlier, several youth took to the streets and pelted stones at the police station, which was retaliated by tear smoke canisters. They were demanding the release of youth, arrested on Friday.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 IST