President Ram Nath Kovind | Photo Credit: ANI

Srinagar: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday broke his silence on the Kathua rape case during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and said that such incidents occurring in India post independence are "shameful". He was addressing the students of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra town on the day of their convocation. He was received by the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Governor NN Vohra amid tight security and headed to Raj Bhavan.

He said, "After 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman." He further said, "Daughters of India have brought laurels to the country in Commonwealth Games 2018, Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana and Heena Sidhu from Punjab."

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also addressed the students and said, "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society."

President Kovind is at the convocation where over 880 scholars are receiving their degrees and merit certificates at the ceremony. A civic reception will also be held at Amar Mahal Lawns in Jammu to honour Kovind later in the day, and Governor Vohra will host a dinner in the President's honour at the Raj Bhavan later.

On Thursday, Kovind is set to visit Mubarak Mandi heritage site before flying back to New Delhi.

