National Conference president for Jammu province DevenderRana on Saturday said that communalisation and politicisation of the alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua was “deplorable and against civilised behavior”.
“Can politics stoop to such depths where a barbaric act against a girl child falls prey to religious chauvinism?” Rana said in a statement. Two special police officers have been arrested by the Crime Branch in connection with rape and murder of the Bakerwal girl last month. On Thursday, an organisation named Hindu EktaManch, carrying the Tricolour, took out a protest march and demanded release of the accused SPO, Deepak Khajuria.
Rana said in the statement: “Those spearheading the cause of a criminal or criminals should have vouched for the victim whose agony and wilderness at the time of commission of the crime might have shaken the heavens.”
Rana expressed surprise over “illogical and uncalled for protests in support of a criminal”, apprehending that these attempts might paralyse the investigation and lead to an “unfortunate situation”.
He said the fringe elements should not be allowed to unleash communal agenda under the garb of ultra nationalism.
“Those aligning or indulging with the reactionary elements to have free run from the crime are actually destroying the social fabric which could have serious ramifications for the society at large,” he said.
Rana said taking sides with criminals on the basis of their religion will embolden criminals and lead to a chaotic and uncontrollable situation.
“If it is Asifa today it can be anybody tomorrow,” Rana said and called for society’s response to the dangerous trend being set by “frenzy elements hiding behind the religion”.
He cautioned them against vitiating the atmosphere and testing patience of the silent majority, which does not discriminate innocent children on the basis of religion, the statement said.
“He exuded confidence that the society ingrained with the philosophy and ethos of daughters belonging to all will isolate the perpetrators of violence and seek justice for the innocent child,” the statement reads.
“It is moral duty for us all to ensure that poor Asifa gets justice to lie in peace in the grave,” the statement quoting Rana said.
Rana hoped the investigations are expeditiously taken to logical conclusion and the criminal dealt as per law.
“A criminal is a criminal and crime is a crime,” Rana said and added that those evoking emotions and giving communal colour to the Kathua incident were committing a heinous crime against the humanity, which cannot have religious sanction. He urged the administration to take all necessary steps to instill confidence among the people by acting against criminals and their sympathisers, whichever religion they belong to.