Groves family call for trial to be moved to stable area

Miss Groves was killed in northern India in 2013.

But the trial of the man accused of the crime, Richard de Wit, has been beset with delays and the 144th scheduled hearing, which was due to take place this week, was cancelled.

This was due to serious civil disturbances in the region. Ten people, including seven civilians, were killed during violence over the weekend.

Miss Groves’ father, Vic, said the family were not seeking to pass comment on the internal political affairs of Kashmir.

‘But the current situation does beg the question – should our case not be moved to another court in a more stable location?’ he said.

‘At the current rate of progress, with civil unrest on the increase, we face yet another threat to a safe outcome to a trial that started five-and-a-half years ago.’

Yesterday’s and today’s hearings have been cancelled and no date for the next hearing has been announced.

Kashmir separatists had planned to march to the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps headquarters yesterday following last week’s deaths. But strict restrictions were imposed on the region to prevent further upheaval.

Shops, petrol stations and other businesses were shut, with security personnel patrolling sensitive areas to stop any further escalations.

Mobile internet was suspended in Srinagar during the night.

Mr Groves said there were problems in the region.

‘The separatists have called for three days of strikes which have the effect of paralysing all public services,’ he said.

‘These include the court system. Internet services are suspended, with only occasional restoration to 2G standards, transportation is brought to a standstill and shops and offices are unable to open.

‘The whole area is effectively paralysed with further trouble is expected today with strong threats of retaliation against public demonstrations issued by the military.’