Srinagar, May 24 -- Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday expressed grief over the death of a 12-year-old girl in central Kashmir's Budgam and called for a transparent and time-bound investigation into the case.

In a statement, Mirwaiz said he was "heartbroken and deeply disturbed" by the incident involving the minor girl, who had gone missing while on her way to a local Darsgah.

He said the incident had caused fear, grief and anxiety among people and raised concerns over the safety of children.

"What are we becoming as a society if our children cannot even feel safe on their way to seek education and guidance?" he said.

Mirwaiz called for a thorough and transparent probe into the case and said those responsible s...