KEA, KTMF call for speedy, transparent probe in Kathua rape-murder case

Srinagar, Feb 24 : Breaking silence on rape and murder of eight-year-old Asifa Banu in Kathua of Jammu region, the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) on Saturday called for a speedy and transparent probe into the incident.

Addressing a press conference here, KEA Chairman Haji Muhammad Yasin Khan cautioned the state government and New Delhi against any hush up of the case, saying the situation could go out of control and those believing in humanity would take to streets for a decisive move.

''The gang rape and murder of a girl is not a political, communal or regional issue, but a case of humanity, for which every human, regardless of his or her individual ideology, should come forward and seek justice and capital punishment for the culprits,'' said Mr Khan.

''Unfortunately, what has happened is that some vested interests are trying to communalise and politicise the issue, so that the fair trial gets hushed up and the perpetrators of the crime, a few of whom have already been arrested, get exonerated,'' the chief of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) alleged.


As part of the same sinister agenda, the Hindu Ekta Manch, in league with some political parties, undertook a pro-rapist rally, whereas some politicians from mainstream parties have started echoing the same language, he charged.