Breeding Impunity in Jammu

We, women’s groups, human rights groups and individuals, who have over the years challenged sexual violence against women and children and struggled for justice, stand in solidarity with Deepika Singh Rajawat. Rajawat is the lawyer who has taken up the case of the eight-year-old girl belonging to the nomadic Kashmiri Bakerwal community, who was kidnapped, brutally tortured, gang-raped for days and murdered in an unconscionable manner by eight men, including a minor, in Kathua in January 2018.

We also support Talib Hussain, also from the Bakerwal community, who has been fighting for justice for the victim’s family since January 2018. Hussain was arrested for organising the first protest in January, and has subsequently been threatened by the police with arrest under the Public Safety Act. However, despite constant intimidation and threats, his sustained protest efforts brought the case to public notice.