Complete shut down in Bandipora after rape attempt

Baramulla, June 27 (UNI) Life remained crippled in Bandipora for the second day today as a complete shut down was observed in protest against alleged molestation of a girl by two Army jawans.

Police has registered a case under FIR number 122/7 against the two soldiers who allegedly stormed into a house and tried to rape a girl at Kunan village yesterday afternoon.

Defence authorities have also ordered a probe into the incident.

Official sources said thousands of people, including women and children, again took to the streets at Kunan this morning demanding stern action against the soldiers.

The processionists, raising slogans against Army, police and local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), later went to Deputy Commissioners (DC) office.

They were demanding action against the police personnel who resorted to baton charge and firing on peaceful demonstrators.

He informed the demonstrators that a case has been registered against the soldiers.

He gave an assurance that action would be taken against the soldiers if they were found guilty.

The DC also said that he will recommend to the government to shift the army and other security force camps from some areas in the district.

The trouble started yesterday in the afternoon when a resident of Kunan caught two Armymen who were allegedly attempting to rape a 17-year old girl in her house.

Official sources said two Army officials -- Major Joginder Singh and Nayak Daljit Singh -- of Military Intelligence unit of 57- Rashtriya Rifles entered the house of Mohammad Rafiq Gojri in civil dress at Pati Kunan and introduced themselves as militants.

The soldiers later demanded food and shelter. They asked all the family members, except the girl, to leave the room. When they allegedly tried to rape her, she raised an alarm, sources said.

She alleged that this was the third attempt of rape on her by these armymen.

The girl said they tore off her clothes and beat her.

Later, the two soldiers were beaten by the villagers and paraded through different streets of Bandipora.

Police resorted to baton charge and fired teargass shells to disperse the protesters.

The breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) and other separatist organisations have strongly condemned the incident and demanded action against the soldiers.

A number of separatist leaders visited Bandipora today, sources said.

UNI