The viral video of a 12-year-old boy questioning the delay in announcing summer vacations for schools in Kashmir has now reached the Child Welfare Committee, drawn comments from Kashmir’s chief cleric, and reignited questions over children’s presence on social media.The video, which has been widely shared online over the past few days, shows the child criticising Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo for not announcing summer vacations despite temperatures in the Valley crossing 35 degrees Celsius. Speaking directly to the camera, the boy says he feels the minister “may not have children who attend school” and that she “might be sitting in an AC room.”Summer vacations in schools across the Kashmir Valley are usually announced for around two weeks during July and August, with the exact schedule depending on prevailing weather conditions.
Child Welfare Committee orders action
The government-run Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has now stepped in. According to a notice issued by the panel, the news portal that first uploaded the video recorded and interviewed the child without obtaining informed consent from his parent or legal guardian. It also alleged that the recording was done without the knowledge or permission of the school authorities.The committee has directed representatives of the news portal to appear before it. It has also asked police to initiate steps to remove the video from online platforms and register a First Information Report (FIR). According to the report, the portal has already submitted a written response to the committee.CWC Chairperson Khair-ul-Nisa said she took suo motu cognisance after watching the clip online.“I took suo motu cognisance after I saw the viral video. At the time, I did not know the identity of the child, his parents or the school. The video had already gone viral,” she said, TNN reports.She said the committee later identified the child’s school through his uniform and directed the principal to appear on Saturday to verify the facts.Khair-ul-Nisa also expressed concern about the possible impact of the viral attention on the child.“He may not even be able to return to school due to the attention the video has received. The journalists should have exercised greater discretion before uploading the video,” she said.
Mirwaiz questions children’s exposure to social media
The controversy also drew a response from Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who described the child’s remarks as “impolite” while raising concerns about minors being featured on social media.Addressing people after Friday prayers at Jamia Mosque, Mirwaiz said society should reflect on whether children should be exposed to social media in such a manner.“Society must ask whether minor children should be exposed to social media in such a manner and used for public reactions without understanding the consequences,” he said, according to TNN.The video has triggered sharp reactions on social media.Many users defended the boy’s comments as an example of free expression and said children should be encouraged to voice concerns that affect them. Others criticised the language used in the video, calling it disrespectful and arguing that it reflected a lack of basic social values.As the debate continued, the Child Welfare Committee issued a fresh advisory asking media organisations and individuals not to interview, film or circulate videos involving children in ways that could affect their privacy, dignity, safety or overall well-being.