Reiterates to bring similar laws in the State to put an end to crimes against women
Jammu: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the decision of the Union Cabinet to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age. This, she said, would go a long way in curbing the level of harassment against women and girl child in the country.
The move comes against the backdrop of the rape and murder of girls in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua and Gujarat’s Surat district recently. The rape of a minor in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district had also outraged India. The ordinance would be now sent to the President for his approval.
The Chief Minister also welcomed other stringent amendments brought in relevant laws by the Union Cabinet to ensure speedy investigation and trial of rape cases and administering deterrent punishments to the convicted.
Mehbooba called for social mobilization to ensure deterrence to those who indulge in heinous crimes against women besides undertaking general awareness about respecting women and their rights and ensuring girls an environment free from harassment, coercion and crimes against them.
The Chief Minister reiterated her resolve that her Government intends to bring similar laws in the State to put an end to crimes against women.
This is an amendment to the existing POCSO act. But the act is not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir where the crime has been committed, and hence the amendment does not have an effect as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned.
