Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has strongly condemned the recent death of a minor girl in Kishtwar district, an incident allegedly linked to a botched abortion following a rape by her school teacher. Choudhary stated on Saturday that the government will not tolerate any form of violence, injustice, or cruelty against children, particularly girls. The incident, described as “unfortunate and disturbing,” has prompted swift action from the police, who have arrested the accused teacher and his brother.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the 15-year-old victim, belonging to a tribal community, was reportedly subjected to repeated sexual assault by her teacher over several months, leading to a pregnancy. The subsequent attempt to terminate the pregnancy resulted in her death in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district on Thursday. Choudhary emphasized that such acts of mistreatment and violation will not be permitted with impunity.
The Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged that the police do not fall under the administrative purview of the elected Jammu and Kashmir government. However, he stressed that this administrative separation cannot serve as a justification for allowing injustice to be perpetrated against citizens, especially young girls. He asserted that if such incidents continue to escalate, the Omar Abdullah government would not stand idly by and would pursue all necessary measures to prevent their recurrence.
Choudhary made these remarks to reporters following a surprise inspection of a government hospital in Jammu. He indicated that he had taken strong exception to the deployment of girl students at the hospital’s reception counters, ordering immediate corrective actions. The inspection was prompted by complaints regarding the hospital’s management. During his visit, Choudhary observed several issues and instructed the hospital superintendent to address them urgently. He expressed particular surprise at finding female students assigned to reception duties, stating that such tasks are not part of their academic responsibilities. He directed that security personnel should instead be assigned to reception duties to guide patients and visitors, clarifying that this role is the responsibility of security staff or designated personnel.
Meanwhile, protests have continued for the third consecutive day across various parts of the Jammu region, including Jammu, Kishtwar, and Doda districts. Demonstrators, many of whom are students, have voiced their outrage over the alleged rape and death of the 15-year-old girl. They are demanding an impartial inquiry to ensure that all individuals responsible are brought to justice and are calling for the strictest possible punishment for the culprits. Protesters also seek accountability from any officials found to have been negligent in their duties and urge authorities to implement transparent investigation processes and effective measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The incident has highlighted significant concerns regarding the safety and protection of minors in the region. The Deputy Chief Minister’s strong stance and the ongoing public outcry underscore the gravity of the situation. The government’s commitment to addressing such heinous crimes and ensuring the welfare of children is now under scrutiny, with the public demanding concrete actions and preventative strategies. The involvement of a school teacher in such a crime has also raised questions about the safety protocols within educational institutions and the need for enhanced vigilance to protect students from exploitation and abuse. The ongoing investigations are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic event and the potential systemic failures that may have contributed to it. The demands for accountability extend not only to the perpetrators but also to any individuals or institutions that may have failed in their duty of care, as articulated by the protesting citizens.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s inspection of the government hospital also brought to light administrative shortcomings, particularly the inappropriate assignment of students to non-academic duties. This aspect of his visit, while separate from the criminal incident, points to broader issues of governance and resource management within public facilities. The directive to reassign reception duties to security personnel aims to ensure that students can focus on their education without being burdened by tasks unrelated to their studies. This move is seen as a step towards creating a more conducive environment for learning and safeguarding the well-being of students. The hospital administration has been instructed to implement these changes promptly, reinforcing the importance of appropriate role allocation within public institutions. The broader implications of such administrative oversight are being closely watched, as they reflect on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery in the region.
The persistent protests across the Jammu region signify a deep-seated public demand for justice and a robust response to crimes against children. The participation of students in these demonstrations underscores their concern for safety and their active engagement in advocating for societal change. The calls for transparency in investigations and the implementation of preventive measures are crucial for rebuilding public trust and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. The collective voice of the community, amplified through these protests, serves as a powerful reminder to authorities of their responsibility to uphold the law and protect the most vulnerable members of society. The coming days are likely to see further developments as investigations progress and the government responds to the demands for accountability and systemic reform.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.