VoL Desk, June 27: Hundreds of women belonging to the Women Welfare Association of Wakha staged a significant protest today in Wakha, denouncing a recent case of sexual harassment.

Women from various villages in the Shargole Block and Pashkum regions gathered in Wakha and marched approximately 5 kilometers towards Kargil, expressing their strong opposition to the incident that occurred on June 18 in Wakha.

The protest received support from the Executive Body of the Zainabiya Women Welfare Society in Kargil, and their numerous members also participated in the demonstration.

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During the event, President Hajia Tahira Zakiri of the Zainabiya Women Welfare Society expressed gratitude to the women for joining the protest. She highlighted the alarming rise in such acts of violence in the region, which is a matter of great concern for the local community.

Kaneez Fatima, representing the Women Welfare Association of Wakha, commended the victim for her courage in reporting the case to the police instead of feeling ashamed or remaining silent.

On June 18, 2023, a retired Chokidar from the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, identified as Tsering Wangdus, currently working as an Onpo, allegedly assaulted a 21-year-old woman who had approached him for treatment.

In response, as per the SSP Kargil, the Kargil Police filed FIR No. 08/2023 against the accused, charging him under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe), and 376/511 (attempt to commit rape). Subsequently, on June 24, the Ladakh Police added an additional section, 342, to the charges.