Kishtwar, January 12, 2026: Under the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), a Media Sensitisation Workshop on the theme Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat was organised at Dak Bungalow, Kishtwar.
The programme was conducted under the overall guidance of the District Child Protection Officer/District Social Welfare Officer, Kishtwar, Sh. Tariq Parveaz Qazi (JKAS), with the objective of sensitising media persons about their critical role in preventing child marriage and spreading awareness among the masses.
The workshop commenced with a welcome note and an introductory address on the issue of child marriage by Sh. Touseef Iqbal Butt, Protection Officer (NIC), District Child Protection Unit, Kishtwar. He highlighted the social, psychological and legal implications of child marriage and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to eliminate the practice.
During the session, the Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Kishtwar, Sh. Sheetal Nain Sharma, briefed the participants about the legal provisions related to child marriage, the mandate of the Child Welfare Committee in handling such cases, and the vital role of the media in timely reporting and coordination with concerned departments.
While speaking on the occasion, Senior Journalist Asif Iqbal Naik emphasised the responsibility of parents towards safeguarding the rights and future of their children. He said parents must ensure proper care, education and protection of children and should strictly adhere to the law governing the age of marriage.
Senior Journalist Asif Iqbal Naik further observed that attempts by certain elements to justify child marriage under the garb of religious or Islamic laws are misleading and contrary to both the law of the land and true religious teachings. He clarified that Islam emphasises respect for the laws of the government under which one lives and does not endorse practices that harm children. Referring to historical debates, he said the age of Hazrat Aisha (RTA) is often misrepresented by vested interests, whereas credible scholarly interpretations establish that she was 18-plus at the time of her marriage to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He stressed that religion should never be misused to legitimise social evils like child marriage.
“The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign should be extended to far-flung and outlying areas of the district to ensure that no child is left vulnerable to early marriage. Awareness programmes must reach remote villages where access to information remains limited,” said Senior Journalist Rajesh Chander.
Throughout the programme, media representatives actively participated in the deliberations and assured full cooperation in supporting and strengthening the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign.
Under the guidance of the district administration, the District Child Protection Officer administered a pledge to all participants to stand united against child marriage and work collectively towards creating a child marriage-free society.
In the end, the District Child Protection Officer, Kishtwar, presented the vote of thanks and reiterated the department’s firm commitment to making the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign a mass movement. He assured that the department would reach out to every village and panchayat of the district to disseminate awareness against child marriage.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, followed by the distribution of certificates and trophies to speakers from different schools.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Basharat Nazir (LCPO), Deepika Bhandari (POIC), Sana Jan (Counsellor, OSC), Shannu Rana (District Coordinator, Sankalp HEW), Diksha Badyal (Supervisor, CHL), Afsheen, Farhan Farooq, Dhriti Sharma, Manvi Bhagat and Muhammad Muhazzib.
