Shopian shuts on 9th death anniversary of Asiya-Neelofar

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Srinagar, May 29:To commemorate the 9th death anniversary of Asiya and Neelofar, who were allegedly raped and murdered, a complete shutdown was observed in southern Shopian district on Tuesday.

The Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had called for the shutdown in the district on the anniversary.

All shops and business establishments remained closed in the district while public transport was off the roads. However, a few private vehicles were seen plying on some link roads.

Meanwhile, Kashmir Tehreek-e-Khawateen headed by Zamrooda Habib today staged a candlelight protest at press enclave here demanding justice for the duo.

The activists said that nine years have passed but no has been found guilty in the twin rape and murder case. They shouted slogans against the culprits.

Teenage schoolgirl, Asiya, and her sister-in-law, Neelofar had gone to their orchard on 29 May 2009 but never returned. On 30 May 2009, their bodies were found in Ranbir Ara Canal in the district. The family members of Asiya, Neelofar and Shopian locals alleged that they were “raped and murdered” by government forces.

After an investigation led by Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the case was handed over to India’s premier investigating agency, CBI.

However, the agency, in its report, while ruling out the possibility of rape, had termed drowning as the cause of their death.

The locals rejected the CBI report by calling it a tactic to hush up the matter. Massive protests had erupted in the district following the deaths