Budgam, May 25 -- Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Monday strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam district, declaring that the safety of girls in the area will remain under threat until the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to justice.

Addressing reporters, Mufti questioned the adequacy of local security measures and the overall state of public safety in the region.

"The victim was merely 11 years old... Her father serves as an ASI in the police force. If such a heinous crime can be perpetrated against the daughter of a police officer, then who among the general public here in Budgam is truly safe?... This girl was subjected to sexual assault......