N S Abdul Hameed, the President of NSUI Jamia, has taken a strong stand against a deeply troubling incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation. In a formal letter addressed to Mr. Arun Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and Mr. Priyank Kanoongo, Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Hameed has urgently called for action to address the incident and uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution of India.
The incident, depicted in a widely circulating video, involves a teacher instructing students to physically harm a fellow Muslim classmate. Hameed’s letter highlights the stark contradiction between this act and the fundamental principles laid out in the Constitution, which firmly stand against any form of discrimination, especially based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
“Incidents like these not only violate our domestic laws but also undermine the very essence of human rights and child rights protections,” stated Hameed. He emphasized the significance of Article 15(2), which extends beyond state actions to cover private individuals, making it imperative to prevent any acts of discrimination regardless of the source.
The incident also raises concerns about the breach of Article 21-A of the Constitution, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen. The students involved in this incident are only seven years old, magnifying the need for decisive action to protect their rights and dignity.
N S Abdul Hameed’s letter further draws attention to India’s international commitments. As a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the country is obligated to uphold the rights of children without discrimination. The incident in question starkly contradicts this commitment and tarnishes India’s reputation on the global stage.
Hameed’s plea to the NHRC and NCPCR is rooted in a call for immediate action to ensure justice, hold the responsible parties accountable, and prevent the recurrence of such reprehensible incidents that violate both human rights and the principles of the Constitution. He expressed confidence in the commissions’ dedication to protecting the rights of all individuals, especially those who are most vulnerable.
As the nation awaits responses from the NHRC and NCPCR, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing importance of upholding the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and child protection. The incident not only demands accountability but also underscores the need to create an environment that nurtures children’s freedom and dignity.
