PDP calls for govt intervention on women's safety in JK

Opposition Peoples Democratic Party today voiced concern over the increase in crime against women in Jammu and Kashmir and called for serious societal and the government intervention to counter the situation.
"Whether in workplaces, educational institutions, public transport system or other places our women are feeling deeply insecure and vulnerable," PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhtar said in a statement here.
He said the reports in media about the women being harassed has become a common thing now in the society and there are no preventive measures in place to ensure their security."
"The reports are highly disturbing and these not only call for serious intervention at the societal level but stringent action by the government," Akhtar said.

Referring to the high-profile molestation case involving former health minister Shabir Khan early this year, the PDP leader said "by showing a clear bias in the case the government has encouraged others to follow the trend."
"Had the government acted seriously in Shabir Khan Case a clear message would had gone to the people," he said, adding the government effort in the case was to shield the accused instead of ensuring justice.

Citing examples of a newly-married girl who was found murdered in south Kashmir last month and chopping off the ear of an unfortunate girl by stalkers in the same area few days back, Akhtar said such incidents have given rise to crisis- like-situation in the society.

"Molestation of the student by her school teacher in Yaripora area of Kulgam district is the latest addition into the crisis," he said.
He said the government must take serious note of the complaint about an alleged assault on a lady employee in the Health Department and the matter must be probed in transparent and fair manner.