Two soldiers punished for exceeding limits in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 5 (UNI) The Army Court Martial today awarded severe punishment to two soldiers who were found guilty of gate-crashing into a house and outraging modesty of a girl in north Kashmir in June.

A Defence spokesman said allegations were received on June 26 that the two soldiers entered a house and outraged the modesty of Zarina Bano at village Kunan Baha Gund in Bandipora, about 60 km from here.

He said court martial proceedings were held against the guilty soldiers from October 29 to November 3 and they have been awarded severe punishments of reduction to ranks and Rigorous imprisonment to one and severe reprimand to other.

The accused soldiers are presently undergoing sentence in confinement at Bandipora. The swift proceeding and exemplary punishment meted out to the accused indicated the Army's stand to uphold human rights in Kashmir, the spokesman said.

However, he alleged that police have not taken any action against the persons, who attacked the Army personnel and took the law into their hands after the incident.

The Army had lodged an FIR against the accused locals for beating and parading the soldiers in the villages naked, the spokesman said.

The soldiers had entered a house, posing as militants, and molested the girl. However, after the family members raised an alarm, the two were caught by the villagers and paraded naked in the village.

The incident evoked widespread demonstrations in north Kashmir and was condemned by all mainstream and separatists organisations.

UNI