Zero tolerance on crimes against women: Top J&K Army official

Srinagar: A top Army commander in Kashmir on Wednesday said there would be no immunity for those personnel who are found to be involved in a heinous crime like rape.

"Rape, whether committed by a civilian or by a soldier, is a big sin. Whenever such an incident takes place (involving a serviceman), we take strong notice and conduct a court martial," General Officer Commanding of the 15 Corps, General Om Prakash told reporters at Shopian, 52km from here. He said the Army takes action against its erring personnel even in cases of molestation or eve-teasing. "It is part of the (Army) discipline that if any Army man commits such a crime, he will have to face action whether there is Armed Forces Special Powers Act or not," he said. Om Prakash was responding to questions whether the army would implement the recommendations of the Justice Verma commission which had sought civil trial of army personnel involved in offences like rape. "We have not seen the Justice Verma report. We can only comment on it after having gone through it," he added. PTI