Aren’t the children of Kashmir entitled to rights and privileges enjoyed by kids in other states of India?
Ravi Nitesh
Child rights is a very sensitive issue. It is necessary to protect their rights for all round development. In fact, child rights are important because they are the most vulnerable section of the society.
There are pre-established rules in society to take care about children; these are traditional, which came in to existence through social traditions and religious customs. With the passage of time the set customs were not enough to protect them fully and there rose a need to evolve system as per new demands. The governments of different countries set up the rules and regulation to protect the rights of children. Now, what will be the result if government, itself, is careless and violating the children rights.
In J&K, due to stringent situations, children are suffering. They are victims of physical and psychological actions which, in turn pervert their dreams and aspirations. Children are going to schools under the shadow of guns. The presence of security forces on streets, in lanes and by-lanes always make them feel insecure. They only see men in uniforms with guns. Children in Kashmir who witness the killings of their co-citizens, children in Kashmir are sometimes taken into custody on the ground of pelting stone; Kashmiri children even face bullets. Many children are getting improper education and thus mobilise towards other states. It depicts incapability of state to provide the facilities to its future citizens. Is it not the violation of their rights? Are they not entitled to get education and peaceful atmosphere in their home state? It is going to impoverish the future of state because every child is not able to get even the normal situation for which he/she is entitled. This is complete failure on part of state government. These situations will only make the future of state weaker and fragile. The need of hour is to take necessary measures to provide an environment which is from free from fear, intimidation and coercion. The State government should work for the better future; a future which is peaceful and tranquil and promising.
Besides education there is a large population of orphans who have lost their parents as result of turmoil and conflict. These children are those whose parents are killed in fake encounters, protests, and in militant and security forces actions. They all have equal rights and they all need support and relief from our side, they need love and a better opportunity to make their future better and live a life with dignity. These children shouldn’t be discriminated by welfare organisation or by the state government as they belong to any specific class or because they are unable to raise their voice of their own, they all are our responsible future citizens who will lead and hold the flag of development of the state. We can’t ignore them.
The Government may continue the long debate over the rights, fundamental duties, privileges and but child welfare is necessary and should be taken seriously. It should be free from any politics mileage and individual interest, it is a matter of concern and we all should stand together to give a better future to these unfortunate children. To ameliorate the condition, a strong government penchant is required however a combined effort from all sides will be more appropriate.
Author resides in New Delhi and Petroleum Engineer, Social Activist and Blogger. He can mailed at ravinitesh@gmail.com.
(Published in Rising Kashmir dated 11 NOV 2010)
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