Srinagar, May 11: To protest the growing cases of domestic violence in the valley during past few weeks, a sit-in protest was held jointly by ‘Ehsaas’ and Rising Kashmir Foundation.
Civil society members, journalists and research scholars participated in the sit-in which was held at Pratap Park here.
The members who participated include Dr Altaf Hussain, Nirja Matoo, Bashir Ahmad Dar, Shakeel Qalander, Ghazala Amin, Shazia Bakshi, Peerzada Ashiq, Inam-ul-Haq, Shameema Firdous and Muslem Jan.
The aim of sit-in was to sensitize the Society about the growing menace of domestic violence and to send a message to government also to act strictly against such acts.
Civil Society member Dr Altaf Hussain said there has been an increasing trend in violence against women and Domestic violence in particular. The cases seem to be on the rise due to insensitivity on the part of government and concerned agencies. “We want to alert the government on the alarming situation by this protest.
The participants said State Human Rights Commission and Women’s Commissions are defunct and headless as such they have failed to do justice to the cases of the victims of violence.
“We want the Government to re-constitute these commissions and make them functional,” protesters demanded.
KCCI member Ghazala Amin said there should be speedy investigation of such cases police regarding Violence against Women.
She demanded establishment of fast-track courts for speedy disposal of the violence related cases. “Else justice delayed is justice denied.”
Academician Neerja Mattoo said it is unfortunate that domestic violence is common now in our society which was very uncommon in near future. “We should support victims of violence in whatever ways we can and there should be severe punishment for deterrence,” she added.
The civil society members said there is male staff in female police stations who are registering complaints of violence against women. “We want government to depute only female staff in these special police stations,” they added.
Simultaneous protests were held in Jammu and Ladakh.