Srinagar, Mar 7 (KNS): Calling for a speedy justice on the International Women’s Day into all the rape and molestation cases pending in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir allegedly committed by forces and other agencies , leaders of Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir (HCJK) in a joint statement demanded stern punishment to the guilty persons.
In a statement to KNS, HCJK leaders including Muslim League Chairman Mustaq ul Islam, Chairman Islamic Political Party Mohammad Yousuf Naqash, Muslim Conference Chairman Shabir Ahmad Dar and Mahaz Azadi President Mohammad Iqbal Mir has termed the exploitation of women in Kashmir as a weapon of war by the forces.
The leaders said, Women in particular have witnessed time to time physical as well as mental harassment by Indian forces despite hue and cry raised over the issue and recent data revealed by international NGO Medicines Sans Frontiers, establish the complains which says that 11.6 percent of women said that they have been victims of sexual violence.
They said that the most heinous crime against women was witnessed in Kunan Poshpora where the troopers of 4 Rajputana Rifles barged into the homes in the dark of the night and raped more than 50 women, on the intervening night of Feb 22-23 1991.
Due to adverse political situation and militarization, the reports quoting National Health Survey the report says that 61 percent of married women in Kashmir are suffering from different types of women related health disorders which are much higher than Indias national average of 39 percent. Thousands of women are suffering from infertility which has saddened such families, the leaders added.
Expressing strong concern over the condition of women, they stressed upon the International Community to declare sexual and physical harassment on women in Kashmir as a war crime in accordance with the norms of International Law. They demanded severe punishments to those forces who are involved in such shameful and cowardly acts in Kashmir through international war crimes tribunal.
Meanwhile, HCJK prayed for the early recovery of the ailing mother of prominent pro-freedom leader Mustaq Ahmad Zargar who is admitted in SMHS hospital. HCJK leaders including Mustaq ul Islam and Mohammad Yousuf Naqash visited hospital to inquire about her health and expressed hope for her early recovery.