23/08/2026
A meeting was held in Batote today to discuss the extremely distressing incident involving the alleged r**e and exploitation of a minor girl by a teacher at Kishtwar Chatroo. The incident has created a deep sense of fear and insecurity among students, particularly young girls, many of whom are now afraid to even attend school.
Speaking on the issue, Shahrukh Bhatti strongly demanded that girls’ schools should have women teachers wherever possible and that boys and girls should be provided separate and secure educational environments. He emphasized that the government must take immediate and strict measures to ensure the safety of children in educational institutions.
He further demanded a fast-track inquiry into the matter. While the accused teacher has reportedly been arrested, all other persons who may have been involved or who may have facilitated the crime must also be identified and brought to justice at the earliest. He said that such heinous crimes against children deserve the strictest punishment under the law and that merely suspending an accused person or registering an FIR is not enough.
Shahrukh Bhatti also urged the government to provide immediate financial assistance and support to the victim’s family, particularly considering their difficult circumstances and the devastating loss they have suffered.
Former Sarpanch Jagdish Chand expressed his deep condolences and said that he stands firmly with the bereaved family in this difficult time. He termed the incident extremely unfortunate and condemned the alleged exploitation of the minor over several months.
Ata Zargar, former DPAP Block President, also expressed deep anguish over the incident and demanded the strictest possible legal action against the accused. He questioned how such incidents can take place within educational institutions and stressed the need to fix accountability, including examining the role and responsibility of the head of the institution.
The participants unanimously demanded a transparent, time-bound and fast-track investigation, strict punishment for those found guilty, accountability of anyone who may have been negligent or involved, and immediate measures to restore a sense of safety among students and their families.
