Ehsaan Yousf
“Children Must Never Be Used As Tools For Politics; Those Behind Viral Video Must Face Strict Action”: Dr. G.N Var Co-Chairman CCIK Education Committee
“Respect For Women & Teachers Must Be Non-Negotiable; Children Should Learn Values, Not Disrespect”: Tariq Ghani President CCIK
Srinagar, 02 July, 2026: The Education Committee of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Kashmir (CCIK), led by its Chairman Showkat Chowdhary and Co-Chairman Dr. G.N. Var, on Thursday strongly condemned the circulation of a viral video involving a minor child over the issue of summer vacations, describing it as an unethical, irresponsible and deeply disturbing act that violates child rights, dignity and the sanctity of education.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the committee expressed serious concern over what it termed the growing misuse of children for publicity and political narratives through social media. The leaders urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances under which the video was recorded and circulated, while demanding strict legal action against those responsible.
The press conference was attended by CCIK President Tariq Ghani, members of the CCIK Executive Committee and representatives from the education sector.
Speaking on behalf of the CCIK Education Committee, Chairman Showkat Chowdhary said the committee, the education fraternity and the people of Jammu & Kashmir collectively condemn the viral video and the manner in which it was publicised.
He said “A child should never be used as a tool for political messaging, publicity or social media sensationalism. From the content of the video, it appears the child may have been prompted with words beyond his understanding. Equally disturbing is the fact that such content was allegedly recorded and circulated without due regard for parental consent, child protection norms or ethical responsibilities. This is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”
He said responsible journalism has always played a constructive role in society, “Holding a mobile phone does not make one a journalist. Media carries immense responsibility, especially when children are involved. Those who create and circulate such content must understand that child dignity and privacy are non-negotiable.”
Referring to the work undertaken by the School Education Department, Chowdhary said the present government led by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health And Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo has taken several positive steps to resolve long-pending issues affecting the private education sector.
“When the present Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo assumed her office, the education sector was facing enormous challenges, with hundreds of schools on the verge of closure. Through timely interventions and continuous engagement, many of these issues have been resolved while several policy decisions have already been approved in principle and await formal notification.”
He observed that while constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, deliberate attempts to malign institutions or individuals by exploiting children are dangerous and harmful.
Chowdhary said “If anyone wishes to pursue politics, they are free to do so, but children and education must never become instruments of political agendas. Schools are places of learning, character-building and value education not arenas for political exploitation.”
“We request the competent authorities to ascertain the facts who planned, recorded and circulated this video, under what circumstances it was created and whether child protection laws were violated. Those responsible should face appropriate legal action and apologise publicly to the people.”
Addressing the media, Co-Chairman Dr. G.N. Var, welcomed the reported intervention of the Child Welfare Committee.”We have learnt that the Child Welfare Committee, Srinagar has taken cognisance of the matter, issued notices to the concerned portal and directed that the content be removed immediately. This is a welcome and necessary step in protecting children’s rights.”
Dr. Var said the current government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah & Health & Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo deserves appreciation for several landmark reforms undertaken in the education sector.
“The first major decision of this government was restoring the academic session. It also enacted the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Act and addressed several long-pending issues that had pushed many schools towards closure. Hundreds of institutions and the future of thousands of students benefited from these interventions.”
Expressing deep concern over the viral video, Dr. Var termed it a direct violation of child rights and educational ethics. “Education is built upon dignity, honour, respect and values. Any act that compromises these principles weakens the very foundation of education. Publishing a child’s video without safeguarding his privacy and dignity is not merely unethical; it amounts to a serious violation of child rights.”
Speaking on the occasion, CCIK President Tariq Ghani said schools would also strengthen moral and value-based education by encouraging greater emphasis on etiquette, discipline and respect for teachers, elders and women.
He observed that children imitate what they see and warned that normalising such behaviour could negatively influence classroom culture and respect for educators.
“Today it is a Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo, tomorrow it could be a teacher, a principal or any woman in society. Respect for women is deeply rooted in our culture and values and every effort must be made to preserve it. Strict action against those responsible will serve as a deterrent against similar incidents in future.”
Ghani stressed that society must collectively protect children from becoming victims of online manipulation and political narratives. “Our responsibility is to shape children’s character, strengthen their moral values and prepare them for the future. If such trends continue, society itself will bear the consequences.”
In his concluding remarks, Tariq Ghani reiterated that protecting children is a shared responsibility of parents, schools, media and society. “Children go to schools to acquire knowledge, values and discipline not to become participants in political controversies. We have personally witnessed the Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo Ji working tirelessly, even on holidays, to resolve long-pending educational issues. It is unfortunate that instead of recognising such efforts, some individuals are attempting to create controversy through unethical means.”
