Members of civil society held a protest demonstration on Sunday at Bhaderwah against the rape and murder of eight-year-old girl in Kathua. They demanded justice to the victim family and exemplary punishment for the rape and murder accused. People from various sections of the society assembled under the banner of Civil Society Bhaderwah led by its President Najmus Saqib and raised pro-justice and anti government, BJP and RSS slogans.
The protest was organised outside Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah where from a protest rally was also taken out which culminated at the same mosque after passing through several markets areas. Protesters were carrying placards that read “Justice for Asifa”, “Hang The Rapists”, “Don’t protect rapist, murderer”, “We stand by victim family”, “Asifa Hum Sharminda Hain, Tere Qatil Zinda Hain ,” and “Will not tolerate sabotage of justice.”
The assembled people alleged that some people with vested interests are communalizing the horrific crime by trying to shield the culprits. “The horrific rape and murder case of the little girl is a shame and a crime against society. From day one we have seen some people are communalizing the crime,” said Najmus Saqib, adding that protest of lawyers in Kathua in favour of the accused was a condemnable act. “It is horrifying to see how blatant attempts to save the rapists were made first by cabinet ministers belonging to BJP and then by lawyers backed by the BJP. The purpose of the protest is to register our voice against the blatant attempts to subvert justice, and seek speedy justice for the victim.”
“We have never seen a group of people supporting a rapist and murderer. The pro-accused protests are a direct interference in the impartial investigation,” said Riaz Najar, a civil society member.