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 clergy, and raised questions about the children’s presence on social media.The video, which has been widely shared online in the past few days, shows the boy criticizing Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo for not announcing summer vacations despite temperatures in the Valley exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Speaking directly to the camera, the boy says he feels the minister “cannot have children attending school” and that she “could be sitting in an AC room”.Summer vacations in schools across the Kashmir Valley are usually announced for about two weeks in July and August, with the exact schedule depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
The Child Welfare Committee orders the action
The government’s Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has now intervened. According to a notice issued by the panel, the news portal that first uploaded the video recorded and interviewed the child without having an informed consent from his parent or legal guardian. He also said that the recording was done without the knowledge or permission of the school authorities.The committee ordered the representatives of the news portal to appear before it. He also asked the 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 president Khair-ul-Nisa said she took up the motion knowingly after seeing the clip online.“I took suo motu cognition after seeing the viral video. At that time, I did not know the identity of the child, his parents or the school. The video was already viral,” he said. TNN reports.She said the committee later identified the boy’s school through his uniform and ordered 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 because of the attention the video has received. Journalists should have exercised greater discretion before uploading the video,” he said.
Mirwaiz questions children’s exposure to social media
The controversy also drew a response from Kashmir’s chief clergy, Mirwaiz Umar Farooqwho described the boy’s remarks as “rude” while raising concerns about minors being featured on social media.Addressing people after Friday prayers at the Jamia Mosque, Mirwaiz said society should reflect on whether children should be exposed to social media in this way.“Society must ask whether minor children should be exposed to social media in such a way and used for public reaction without understanding the consequences,” he said, according to TNNThe video has sparked strong reactions on social media.Many users defend the child’s comments as an example of free expression and say that children should be encouraged to express concerns that affect them. Others have criticized the language used in the video, calling it disrespectful and arguing that it reflects a lack of basic social values.As the debate continued, the Child Welfare Committee issued new advice asking media organizations and individuals not to interview, film or circulate videos involving children in ways that could affect their privacy, dignity, safety or general well-being.
