Kashmiri politicians ‘silent’ over Bandipora rape case

Rifat Mohidin
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, April 17

Politicians, who are busy campaigning for the parliamentary elections in the Valley, have expressed little outrage over the suicide by a woman (27), who was being raped by her father for the past many years.

No political party has hit the streets to condemn the incident, though some leaders have sought justice for the victim, a resident of Bandipora, on the social media.

“Politicians care only about their votes. They will take to the streets only when they know the issue will benefit them,” said Bilal Ahmad, a resident of Bandipora.

The incident came to light on April 13 when the younger daughter of the accused man filed a police complaint against her father. The incident sent shocks waves across the Valley.

The girl from Aragam in Bandipora district consumed some poisonous substances and died at a hospital.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bandipora, Rahul Malik said the investigations are on. “It is clear that the girl committed suicide after being forced by her father. He has been arrested and we are recording the statements of the family members,” the SSP said.

Meanwhile, women activists in Kashmir have questioned the criminal silence over the rape case. “Did any newspaper carry the Bandipora rape case in print? Or did they not do it because of upholding whatever morals they think still exist? What’s this criminal silence? What are you trying to achieve here?” asked Kashmir-based activist Essar Batool.

During the Kathua rape-murder case in February last year, politicians had rallied against the accused but the Bandipora case has not seen the kind of support. Only a few women activists and groups have visited the victim’s village.

A team of the Kashmir Women’s Collective, a rights group, which visited the victim’s village, in its report said the “lack of any trusted NGOs, service providers, helplines and women-friendly policing services only increases the helplessness of women and girls in such abusive conditions”.