HP CM accuses opposition of politicising Shimla schoolgirl rape, murder case

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday accused the opposition of trying to "politicise" the alleged rape and murder of a schoolgirl in Shimla and held it responsible for the unrest in Chamba district.

"The opposition in the state is trying to play politics over the case and it is also responsible for unrest in Tissa in Chamba district," he said in Solan.

He warned that all those involved in the loot and arson and had damaged public property would not be spared.

Asserting that it was wrong to give a political colour to such unfortunate events, Singh said the BJP leaders were "flaring up" the matter to remain in news and gain "cheap" publicity.

On the unrest in Chamba following the alleged sexual harrasment of a schoolgirl, the chief minister said the situation is under control and a peace march was organised today.

The Congress leader said it was the duty of the organisation to give a reply if any leader of the party is attacked by political opponents.

The party organisation whether at state, district or block level should unitedly rebut allegations and propaganda by the BJP and other political opponents, he said.

Singh said he was capable of answering and giving firm replies to the opposition, but the party cadre should jointly come out with rebuttals and make the people aware of the "cheap tactics" of the opposition.

He also listed the development undertaken by his government and claimed that Himachal Pradesh had emerged as the most literate state in the country.