Kathua rape: Union minister’s statement generates hope for justice

Srinagar: Amid renewed outrage in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond over the recent rape and murder of an eight-year-old, Union minister V.K. Singh’s words have generated hope back in the state that those involved in the heinous crime would be brought to justice.

Though the state unit of the BJP has officially stated that it won’t support the accused in the rape-and-murder case, some of the party leaders, including two ministers, have openly sided with them. Kashmir watchers believe that Singh’s assertion, the first reaction from a BJP minister, may prompt the BJP and the government at the Centre to reign in such elements within the party.

Expressing distress over the gory incident, Mr Singh assured that the victim will not be denied justice.

However, Talib Hussain, a Jammu lawyer who is appearing in the case on behalf of the victim’s family, termed it BJP’s “double-standard” and an attempt to hoodwink those within and outside the country who has risen against the gory act. “If the government is serious on the issue and wants justice is delivered in the case why doesn’t it stop those, including BJP ministers, who have openly sided with the accused and even instigated the local Hindus against the victim’s family and rest of the Muslim community in Kathua?” Mr Hussain asked.

“There has been outrage against the brutal murder after rape of this poor girl including outside the country and the statement of Mr. Singh who is minister of state for external affairs should be seen in that context too,” he said.

Earlier during the day, J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti assured that the investigation into the rape-and-murder case is on a fast track and law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions.

She tweeted, “The law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions & statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track & justice will be delivered."