The police have finally confirmed that Nelofar (23) and Asiya (17) of Shopian were raped and murdered on May 30, by registering a murder case against unknown people.
The bodies of the two were found in a canal outside the town, about 55 km from Srinagar. Immediately, the Valley erupted
into violent protests as there were rumours that security personnel were responsible for the crime.
A general strike was called by the separatists, led by Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. He was later arrested along with others for organising a march to Shopian on Monday.
On Monday evening, over 24 people were injured in clashes with the police as violence broke out in Srinagar, targeting the police and paramilitary personnel. The police also had to open fire at a village near Shopian town.
The authorities have shifted Shopian police chief Javaid Iqbal Matto.
On Wednesday, an official at the Shopian police station told Hindustan Times a first information report had already been registered after forensic experts reported that samples of semen were found on the bodies.
Two teams of doctors who conducted the autopsies deposed before an independent judicial commission that the two women were raped and murdered.
The women’s relatives submitted nine affidavits before the commission on Wednesday.