The assertion of Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi that he “will knock the doors of governments in Delhi and in Srinagar… Tell them to allow children (of Kashmir) to study and rise as high as they can” is no doubt a welcome declaration. He also urged people of Kashmir to protect the rights of children and put an end to their exploitation. “Together, we will win this battle,” Satyrathi said while urging the children in Jammu Kashmir to stay away from violence. What needs to be brought to fore is that the Nobel Laureate didn’t mention the use of pellet guns that wreaked havoc in valley last year with blinding and maiming hundreds. Whatever the reason to this snub, it doesn’t behove a personality like Kailash to be subjective on the matter when he decided to sail in the boat of Kashmir discussion. No doubt, all sections of society must play their role in protecting their childhood which unfortunately gets disrupted due to uncertainties or political turmoil. As the chief minister Mehbooba Mufti rightly pointed out that the issues of the children of Jammu Kashmir are bigger than their counterparts elsewhere. Children here unfortunately have become victims of violence and uncertainty, thus robbing them of their innocent childhood. Now, it remains to be seen as to what the Kailash Sathyarthi Foundation has in store for the children of Kashmir as good hopes are pinned.
