J&K: Acid attack victim fights government apathy

GNS RAJOURI 

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Kishtwar: It has been more than five years since 34-year-old Gulnaz Begum's face was sprinkled with acid over her refusal to close down a beauty parlour that she was running in Kishtwar. In the attack, she lost her eye and her face was disfigured. But the incident did not deter her and she continues to run the parlour.

The mother of three, however, says she is still waiting for justice.

"I don't know why they did it. I remember they came to my parlour and threatened me and said that if I didn't shut it down, they would ruin my face. They are still scot-free and police even took bribes to not arrest them," says Gulnaz.

Although under public pressure, the two accused were arrested, they were released after six months. Gulnaz then approached the state human rights commission. She, however, got no relief.

What's worse, five years after the incident, a forensic report that could be crucial to the case still hasn't been submitted.

"The police keep saying I don't have any proof. My face is the proof. What bigger proof do they need?" asks Gulnaz.

Justice so far has eluded the brave woman. But she has vowed to fight on.