AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Srinagar, January 19, 2014 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, the Kupwara Sessions Court will hear the final arguments on February 1 on the Indian Army’s revision petition seeking closure of the re-investigation into the Kunanposhpora mass rape.The petition was listed for arguments on Saturday, however, the court adjourned the proceedings due to the absence of the public prosecutor, who was on leave.
Around 100 women were raped by the troops of Indian Army’s 4 Rajputana Rifles during the intervening night of February 23/24 in 1991 in Kunanposhpora area of Kupwara.
In June, last year, the court of Judicial Magistrate of Kupwara had directed the police to reinvestigate the case and conduct test identification parade of the troopers involved in the incident. The directives followed after the Human Rights Commission of the territory had recommended to the authorities in October 2011 to reopen the case and constitute a Special Investigation Team headed by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police to reinvestigate it. The army, however, filed the revision petition in the court, challenging the order for the re-investigation.
As the case came up for hearing on Saturday, the counsel for the Indian Army, Karnail Singh, prayed since the public prosecutor, who was the party to the case, was absent, the court should suspend the proceedings.
However, counsel for victims, Parvaiz Imroz argued that the case had already witnessed decades of delay and the Indian Army was always looking for excuses for denying justice to the victims.
Setting February 1 as next date for hearing the final arguments, the court observed that even if the Public Prosecutor was not present on the next hearing the proceedings would be held.
Meanwhile, the court of First Additional Sessions Judge of Srinagar has given last opportunity to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, to file status report pertaining to investigation on recovery of arms and ammunition from a government gunman, Papa Kishtwari. The court directed the SSP to produce the status report by or before February 3, the next date of hearing.
For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Phone: 92-51-4435548, 4435549
Fax: 92-51-4861736