Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday expressed shock at the heinous rape of a 3-year-old child in Sumbal area of Bandipora District.
Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President of the KCC&I, termed the occurrence of the incident in the Holy Month as an indicator of “our society suffering from moral breakdown”. He said it has resulted from cultural changes and the influence of conflict.
He said that incidents of sexual violence were alien to Kashmir culture and had therefore caused widespread angst and consternation in all sections of the society. “The conscience of the society has been shaken to its very core,” he said, according to a statement issued here.
“Whereas we have no doubt that we shall ensure justice will be delivered as swiftly as possible in this case, it is also a time for assessing the reasons for the degradation of social values and taking effective counter measures before our society disintegrates.”
He also warned elements who were trying to give a sectarian color to the incident and asked them to refrain from mischievous conspiracies aiming at dividing the society.
Shiekh urged the Governor Satya Pal Malik to announce a Special Fast Track Court for ensuring early punishment of the accused.