Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) on Monday decided to abstain from court work as a mark of solidarity with the three-year-old rape victim.

“HCBA has decided to abstain from court work today in protest against the kidnapping and rape of three-year-old girl in Malikpora, Sumbal,” read a statement issued by the JKHCBA.

Expressing solidarity with the victim and her family, the Bar Association demanded that the matter should be investigated through a Special Investigating Team, which should be headed by an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police and the challan of the case be put up before a Fast Track Court immediately and the proceedings thereof be conducted on day to day basis so that exemplary punishment is awarded to the accused.

“In an emergency general body meeting held here today in the High Court Complex, the members also condemned the unnecessary and irrational use of force against the civilian population at Magam, who were protesting against the aforesaid gruesome act in which scores of people got injured due to pellets and teargas shells,” the statement said.

It was also stated that the incidents of rape are not only shameful and should be condemned by one and all but these incidents wherever they occur, should be denounced irrespective of caste, creed, colour, region or religion. It was also stated that on all such occasions people should maintain unity and should not allow anyone to divide them on the basis of Sect or Section.

The Bar members also unanimously decided to abstain from court work today in protest against the aforesaid beastly act, which was directed to be obeyed by one and all.