Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani on Sunday reiterated his demand for an impartial probe into the rape and murder of two Kashmiri women, Aasiya and Nilofer, which was perpetrated by Indian men in uniform in Shopian, 8 years ago.

According to the statement issued here, Geelani blamed former chief minister Omar Abdullah and said that “he played a key role in concealing the origin of the incident and the killers were provided the opportunity to escape the grip of the law.”

Geelani said that such incidents would continue to occur in future also if the culprits were not booked and punished. “Unless the culprits involved in this dastardly act are brought to book, the chastity and dignity of women folk in state is at risk,” added Geelani.

While terming Shopian incident as ‘most inhuman act’, Geelani said that likewise the Kunan Poshpora mass rape incident, the Shopian incident shacked the conscience of the nation.

Demanding death sentence for those involved in gruesome rape and murder case, Geelani accused the state government of shielding the culprits, involved in the killing of Aasiya Jan and Nilofer and said there are sufficient evidences against the criminals, however the evidences were destroyed and witness to the gory act silenced.

Geelani terming the episode as heart wrenching tragedy, said that dignified nations while pursuing their struggle never tolerate the disrespect and never forget these sacrifices and transfer details about these ghastly tragedies to their next generations.

“It is obligatory to recall and remember these tragedies till those involved in such cases are exposed and brought to book,” said Geelani and added that such incidents are repeated to suppress the Kashmiri’s just struggle for securing their right to self-determination.

Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat condemned the illegal house arrest of its General secretary, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Peer Saif Ullah, Ayaz Akbar, Mohammad Ashraf Laya, detaining Syed Imtiyaz Hyder in police station and police raids on the residences of Raja Meraj-u-Din Kalwal and Omer Adil Dar.

TeH in its statement said that on the directions of Geelani, a deputation led by Raja Meraj-u Din-Kalwal and comprising of Omer Adil Dar, Ramiz Raja and Siraj u Din attended the funeral prayers of commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat in Siomoh Tral and paid tributes to slain commander Sabzar, Faizan Ahmad and a civilian Aaqib Ahmad.

Guest