SRINAGAR Days after the Pakistani born Mehnaz Sidique alleged harassment by her Kashmiri husband, Chairperson of the State Commission for Women Nayeema Mehjoor on Tuesday said that the commission called Mehnaz several times but she didnt turn up.
I am receiving many messages, calls and was even tagged in Facebook posts relating to Pakistani born Mehnaz Sidiqui who has marital dispute with Abdullah Danish, Mehjoor said.
Last year, Mehnaz sent me a WhatsApp message regarding her problem and same day, I informed her husband to appear before the commission so that I can hear both and take action, Mehjoor said.
However, Mehnaz didnt turn up, when called by my office why she didnt come, she said she was not feeling well. We set another date for hearing and both were called to come. Again, she didnt come and when called she said, please keep the case pending until I come back to you again, SWC chairperson added.
She was called by my office once again but couldnt get through. Commission cannot take any action until a complainant wants to pursue her case. After few months, some shopkeeper called me and said some lady in the shop is distressed. I told him to put me through to this lady and I will find way to help her. When I spoke to lady, it was Mehnaz and I asked her why didnt u come to me? She seemed in distress and I asked her to meet me as soon as possible. But she didnt come, chairperson informed.
Asked whether commission will take any suo-moto notice, she said that the Commission cannot impose itself on any person if she doesnt want our intervention or interference. We intervene or take suo moto notice where victim has no other means to contact us or is minor or old or hush up matter by office or agencies etc.
I spoke to Mehnaz yesterday. I told her to come to commission and I will bring your husband as well but she refused by saying that I dont want to come face to face with him. Commission has a rule of bringing compliant and respondent together to hear both sides and if needed witnesses as well in order to find solution to problem, she said.
Mehjoor said that she has filed case in court for domestic violence and maintenance. She will certainly get relief from court on the merits of the case. I spoke to Danish Sherwani about the maintenance of kids, he said the decision about it is expected on 10th July and domestic violence hearing is also due in the court, the chairperson said.
Regarding her visa or stay in Kashmir, Mehjoor said it is not my jurisdiction neither state government can do it. She has to apply to central government for this.
Having said that, if she still feels I can help personally or commission can help, she needs to inform us and we make sure to help her by all means. But, we have to listen to other side as well, she added.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
