Seminar highlights diversity in NGO’s as a means for ensuring balalnced development of a culturally rich society
“HR issues get politicized in Kashmir”
NGOs not doing enough: Kirmani
Ishfaq Mir
Srinagar: Noted jurist, Justice (Retd) B A Kirmani said despite having 3500 registered Non-Governmental Organizations there has been little ground work on various issues concerning women and children in the state while human rights issues usually get politicized.
Kirmani, who was speaking as the chief guest at a launch ceremony of VIVA Kashmir, a web portal and humanitarian initiative by a group of Kashmiris said there are 3500 NGOs in J&K, but how many of them are working on ground is not clear.
He said human rights violations start when an individual imposes himself on the system.
Stressing on the need for understating the pros and cons of operation of VIVA Kashmir, Kirmani said, “There are various other issues which are not looked into. Issues pertaining to children getting HIV infections are not attended at all when the number of such cases has reached an alarming 25 lakh across the globe.”
The vision of VIVA Kashmir is to see Kashmiris living a dignified life, enjoying all the universal rights for humans as acknowledged by the developed world. The vision statement of VIVA Kashmir also includes an ecological and economic stronghold, a centre for knowledge, spirituality, trade and human welfare with a peaceful multicultural existence.
On the launch ceremony of VIVA Kashmir, Ishfaq Mir, one of the members behind the initiative said, “It’s an initiative that connects Kashmir to the rest of the world on a humanitarian platform.
“Humanitarianism and human rights are closely associated and VIVA Kashmir will make an effort to expound that the turmoil in Kashmir is about blatant abuse on the rights of the inhabitants, who are caught between nuclear capable nations with colossal animosity against each other”.
Mir added, “The danger of a nuclear holocaust for this region is as real if not more, as it is in the Middle East. The ongoing tribulations and atrocities on Kashmiris make it a fundamental duty on the entire humankind to come forward and chip in an effort for peace in the region which permits dignity and honor to Kashmir, its residents and thus to the whole subcontinent.”
The portal is currently under development and should be operational in beta version by December end. Vice Chancellor Islamic University of Science and Technology, Prof Siddique Wahid who was the guest of honor on the occasion said, “It is good that VIVA Kashmir has come forward but I think visions are supposed to be long term. This can prove a good centre for youth and there is a dire need to reach out to them (youth)”
Viva Kashmir is a common thread that unites all Kashmiris into a uniform nationhood. It also is a medium that connects the outside world, neighbors of Kashmir to the sons and daughters of Kashmir.
This initiative has been started by the people of Kashmir and that is our primary identity.
A R Wani (Retd IFS officer) presided over the function and also spoke on the occasion. Kirmani also launched the membership drive for VIVA Kashmir.