Victim’s revelations reflect forces’ involvement in Handwara incident: Geelani

Seeks independent probe, action against police officials

Terming the revelations made by the Handwara girl as reflection of the ‘grave crimes being committed by the men in uniform against women in Kashmir’, the Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani today demanded an impartial probe into this incident by some independent investigation commission and immediate action against the culprits.

“The army has always used the rape and molestation of women as a major war weapon in JK and it is the responsibility of the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal and the human rights organizations to take serious notice of this situation and come to the rescue of the innocent women of this region,” Geelani, said in a statement.

Citing the mass gang rape incident of Kunan Poshpora as an example, Geelani said, “The government of India has always tried to protect its armed forces and hide their crimes against the women in Kashmir. A senior leader of BJP has on record said that they can’t punish their soldiers who are involved in the crimes against the women in Kashmir because it will affect their morale. This policy has made the army more bold and brave in committing these crimes and they don’t hesitate in doing such acts.”

Criticizing the state police for their leading role in ‘covering up the crimes’, Geelani said, “The way the state police have tried to hide the crime in Handwara and save the involved army personnel is very unfortunate and concerning”.

Geelani demanded immediate ‘suspension’ of SP Handwara and other involved police personnel and investigation of this incident should be made by some independent commission.