Imran Shah
Kishtwar: An awareness program was today organised under the Child Marriage Free India Campagin at Shri Gori Shankar Temple, Sarkoot, Kishtwar, in the presence of the priest, Vinay Sharma.
The program was conducted under the guidance and directions of the District Child Protection Officer, Kishtwar, Tariq Parvaiz Qazi (JKAS),
The programme aimed to sensitise religious leaders and communities about the prevention of child marriage.
The programme was conducted by the District Child Protection Unit in coordination with allied stakeholders, including the One Stop Centre and Child Helpline, focusing on the legal, social, and health consequences of child marriage.
The religious leaders, local residents of Sarkoot, teachers, and students actively participated in the awareness sessions.
While addressing the gathering, Touseef Iqbal Butt, Protection Officer (NIC), highlighted that religious institutions play a crucial role in shaping social values and can act as effective platforms to discourage child marriage and promote children’s rights.
He also informed participants about the provisions of law, the importance of education for children, and the available channels to report child-related cases to district offices, such as the Child Helpline number 1098.
During the programme, religious leaders and community members appreciated the initiative and assured their full cooperation in spreading the message against child marriage through sermons, teachings, and community interactions.
At the end of the programme, Meenakshi Sharma (social worker) administered the pledge, wherein participants resolved to oppose child marriage in all forms and to work collectively for the protection of children’s rights.
Those present included Vikey Sharma (Project Coordinator, CHL), Kajal Parihar (Case Worker, OSC), Swati Sharma (Counsellor, CHL), Vibah Sharma, Sheetal Rana, and Aqib Qazi (ORWs, DCPU), and Shashi Kumar (MPS, OSC).