[Reader-list] Jan panel suspects family role in Shopian case

[Aditya Raj Kaul]

*Jan panel suspects family role in Shopian case*

Srinagar (PTI) The Jan Commission probing the alleged rape and murder of two
women in Shopian district has pointed finger of suspicion towards the
brother and husband of Neelofar, one of the two victims of the incident.

The Commission in its report has said there was clear indication suggesting
enmity between Neelofar's maiden family and her in-laws.

"The conduct of Zeerak Shah (Neelofar's brother) has been highly suspicious
and objectionable after the death of Neelofar and Asiya Jan," the Commission
said in its report.

Bodies of Neelofer (22) and her sister-in-law Asiya (17) were recovered from
a stream on May 30 after they went missing from their orchards in Shopian
town the previous evening, sparking off massive protest by locals who
suspected the hand of armed force personnel in their alleged rape and
murder.

The Jammu and Kashmir government ordered a judicial enquiry in the matter
headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Muzaffar Ahmad Jan.

The commission in its report said Neelofar, who belonged to "Peer" (Muslim
priest) family seen with respect and honour in society, had eloped with
Shakeel Ahmad Ahangar hailing from "Khaar" family, which is included in the
OBC category, leading to feud between two families.