Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced serious concern over the increase in crime against women in the workplace and around in the society and called for serious societal and the government intervention to counter the disturbing situation.In a statement issued, the party Chief Spokesperson, Naeem Akhtar, said the reports in media about the women being getting harassed has become a common thing now in a society which has always held its women folk in high esteem. “The reports are highly disturbing and these not only call for serious intervention at the societal level but stringent action by the government,” he added.
Naeem said the happenings are very serious and indicators of deep societal rot and the government apathy in stopping the crime has further added to the vulnerability of women folk. Referring to the last year’s high profile molestation case involving Shabir Khan, former health minister, he said by showing a clear bias in the case the government has encouraged others to follow the trend. “Had government acted seriously in Shabir Khan Case a clear message would had gone to the people which would have surely helped to minimize such offences at workplaces,” said Naeem and added the government effort in the case was to shield the accused instead of ensuring justice.
He said whether in workplaces, educational institutions, public transport system or other places our women are feeling deeply insecure and vulnerable and there are no preventive measures in place to ensure their security. Citing examples of the newly married girl who was found killed in South Kashmir last month and chopping off the ear of an unfortunate girl by stalkers in the same area few days back, Naeem 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 the government must take serious note of the complaint about an alleged assault on a lady employee in Health Department and the matter must be probed in transparent and fair-manner. He said our women have suffered immensely for the last more than 20 years and now and the unfortunate incidents taking place almost every day have become a source of constant worry and shame.