A group of women activists today filed an application in the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), seeking recommendations to the state government for investigation of sexual violence cases in line with national and international laws.
The application moved by Natasha Rather, on behalf of Support Group for Justice for Kunan Poshpora survivors, urged the commission to suggest guidelines for compensation to the survivors of sexual violence. It said the SHRC should "recommend guidelines and operational procedures on the investigation of cases of sexual violence, in line with Indian and international laws".
The application asked for directions to the state government for providing details on action taken reports on the recommendations of the SHRC in such cases. "The Jammu and Kashmir government provide details on all enquiries -- magisterial and under the Commission of Inquiry Act -- ordered in sexual violence cases and the results of these enquiries," Rather said in her plea. She urged that the chairperson of the SHRC to appoint two members of the commission, including a woman member, to hear the testimonies of the victims.
The application was filed before the SHRC on the 27th anniversary of Kunan-Poshpora mass rapes allegedly by Army personnel. A group of human rights activists tried to visit the alleged survivors in the north Kashmir Kupwara district but were prevented by the police from proceeding to the villages.