Aga Ruhullah questions institutions, seeks fast-track justice in Budgam minor case

Budgam, May 25: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Sunday visited Galwanpora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district and expressed concern over what he described as declining moral values and institutional failure following the death of a minor girl whose case police say prima facie appears to be one of rape and murder.

After meeting the bereaved family and addressing reporters, Ruhullah said incidents of violence against children were becoming increasingly alarming and demanded strict enforcement of law and speedy justice.

“These incidents are on the rise. It is the duty and obligation of police, judiciary and government to enforce stringent laws and ensure severe punishment,” Ruhullah said.

He said the incident had raised serious questions about the effectiveness of institutions responsible for protecting society.

“Questions are being raised on institutions that have failed to implement laws in letter and spirit,” he said.

The MP alleged that while police often act swiftly in suppressing dissent and invoking stringent laws such as the Public Safety Act, similar urgency was expected in crimes involving vulnerable victims.

“Police are quick in suppressing dissent and quickly slap PSA, but in such incidents where goes the will and power of the police?” he asked.

Ruhullah, however, expressed hope that the investigating agencies would act decisively and ensure justice to the family.

“I hope the mother and father of the victim will be given justice,” he said.

Referring to the victim’s routine, Ruhullah said the tragedy had intensified public anxiety over safety of children.

“The victim was going to a seminary. If children are not even safe while going to seminary, where are they safe then?” he asked.

He urged police to solve the case on a fast-track basis and bring those responsible to justice.

Ruhullah also called for social introspection, saying families and society must examine how children are being raised and whether materialism and weakening moral responsibility were contributing to social decline.

“We also need to check ourselves and our homes, how we are bringing up our children. We are lost in materialism,” he said, adding that there were elements in society whose upbringing reflected serious moral failure.

The MP’s remarks came amid continuing outrage and protests over the Galwanpora incident, which has triggered emotional scenes and demands for swift action across parts of Kashmir.

Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident and said investigation is underway. [KNT]