KASHMIR ERUPTS OVER KATHUA RAPE AND MURDER CASE

SRINAGAR: The campaign for justice for the eight-yearold victim of Kathua rape and murder case is gaining momentum across Kashmir with students and people holding protest marches across the length and breadth of the valley on Wednesday, giving police a tough time.

Students of various educational institutions took out a protest rally on Residency Road here, demanding justice for the girl and stern punishment to those involved in the heinous crime that has sparked outrage across the nation.

A group of lawyers, civil society members and people from other walks of life also held a protest rally at Pratap Park here, demanding death penalty for the persons involved in the rape and murder of the minor girl in January this year, reports PTI.

They also demanded setting up of a fast-track court for speedy delivery of justice in the case.

A massive rally was taken out by students in Uri town – near the Line of Control – in Baramulla district in support of the victim, reports reaching here said.

Similar protests were held in the Tral area of Pulwama district where police used batons and tear smoke shells to disperse the students. Official sources said several students were hurt in the police action.

Students held protests in Anantnag, Baramulla, Awantipora and other parts of the valley as well. The protestors accused the police of using force at some places to quell protests, a charge denied by the police.

A police spokesman said some miscreants indulged in stone-pelting to enforce a shutdown in Anantnag town.

"In the said incident, two police personnel and two miscreants received injuries when they were hit by stones. All of them are stated to be stable," he said.

He said personnel of municipal committee were pelted with stones during an antiencroachment drive in Pulwama. "However, police party reached the spot and subsequently dispersed the miscreants. No loss was reported," the spokesman added.