14-year-old Seema and 16-year-old Poonam, the victims of alleged eve-teasing that is said to be at the heart of communal violence here, are contemplating dropping out of school as they are not sure about their safety after the recent events.
It was the eve-teasing of Seema and Poonam (names of both are changed) and objections raised by their family that is believed to have led to the spiral of violence which has gripped this district of Uttar Pradesh.
The eve-teasing and resultant objections led to a fight in which Seema's 17-year-old brother Gaurav and his friend Sachin Singh were killed along with one Sahnawaz Qureshi, alleged to be one of those harassing the girls, on August 27. Poonam is Gaurav's niece.
Kawaal village's population is around 15000 and Hindus and Muslims are in equal numbers.
"While going to the bus stand to catch bus for the school, a group of boys used to pass lewed remarks and also block our way sometimes," said Poonam while recalling the sequence of events.
It was only two months ago that they started going to school and soon after complained of harassment, said Seema's father Ravinder Kumar. Seema was admitted to 9th while Poonam was in 12th standard.
After their complaint, Gaurav started escorting them to the bus stand.
