According to Kashmir Media Service, with the publication of horrifying details of the gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old, Aasifa, emerged from a Kashmir police charge-sheet during last week, people from all walks of life including students, lawyers and traders have started voicing outrage over the heinous crime. The incident shook as far as Kargil area of Ladakh along with other parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Thousands of people took part in a protest rally in Kargil city of Ladakh region demanding justice for the victim child, Aasifa, who was brutally raped and murdered in Kathua district in January.
The protest was organised by Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT). The protest started from Jamia Masjid Kargil and after passing through main bazaar culminated at Lal Chowk.
Hundreds of students from educational institutions including Government Degree Colleges Doda and Bhadarwah in Chenab Valley staged strong protests, demanding justice for the victim. The students were seen holding placards depicting different messages for justice to the rape and murder victim.
All J&K Ladakh Students Association also held a protest at Residency Road in Srinagar seeking death penalty to the rapists and murderers. “It is shame that now the women are not safe even at sacred places like temples,” said Menaal, a female student.
Protests were also held at the Kashmir University, Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, CD Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry and Law College in Srinagar. Besides, the students of Government Boys Degree College, Islamabad, Higher Secondary School Palhallan, Dangarpora Higher Secondary School, Sopore and Government Boys Degree College Beerwah, Budgam staged massive protests against the terrible act.
Alongside students, lawyers associated with the High Court Bar Association, Srinagar, Bar Association Islamabad and Bar Association Ganderbal took to the streets in their respective areas to condemn the heinous crime.
The lawyers strongly condemned the attack on their fellow lawyer Talib Hussian who initially spearheaded the campaign for the victim girl. They extended full support to Talib and Deepika Singh Rajawat, the consul for the victim girl. Traders also staged protests in many areas and condemned the gory act.