The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Thursday ruled that the minor girl from Handwara whose allegation of being molested by army personnel had led to protests in the state’s Kupwara district, is free to go anywhere, as is her family. The division bench announced the decision after hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by her parents, challenging their daughter’s illegal detention after the clashes broke out.
The court based the order on the affidavits her parents submitted, in which they said the Jammu and Kashmir Police had them under unlawful custody even though they had never sought any police protection. According to a statement from the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, police detained the minor and her family again in in Handwara’s Zachaldara area, even though they had said on May 20 that the family was free. The police harassed their relatives for information on their whereabouts when they reached the JKCCS office in Srinagar, the statement added.
"The police should end the illegal confinement of the Handwara minor girl and end all overt and covert means of surveillance and restrictions, following the high court order", a spokesperson for the organisation said. JKCCS had earlier highlighted the illegality of revealing the minor’s identity in a video shot by the police, in which she seemingly retracts her claim that army personnel had molested her.
The clashes that followed her accusation claimed five lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on April 12. Police later said the girl changed her stance and accused two local boys of molesting her. As the situation worsened, curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of the state, and mobile internet services were also temporarily blocked.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!