J&K education minister Sakina Itoo SRINAGAR: A viral video of a 12-year-old child criticising J&K education minister Sakina Itoo took another turn Friday with Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq terming the remarks “impolite” and the govt-run Child Welfare Committee (CWC) summoning the news portal that first uploaded the clip.CWC also ordered cops to take steps to get the clip removed and register an FIR. In the video, the child denounces Itoo for not announcing summer vacations in the Valley despite temperatures rising above 35 degrees Celsius. He is heard saying he “feels the minister may not have children who attend school and she herself might be sitting in an AC room”.Summer vacations in schools in the Valley are usually announced by authorities for around two weeks in July-Aug, with the exact dates depending on the weather.The video has generated heated social media debate. Many have defended the child’s views as free expression, praised his arguments and asked other children to emulate him, while others have criticised him for what they describe as a “troubling lapse in basic upbringing and social values”.Mirwaiz Farooq expressed unease. “Society must ask whether minor children should be exposed to social media in such a manner and used for public reactions without understanding the consequences,” Mirwaiz told a gathering in Jamia Mosque after Friday prayers.CWC’s notice said the child was “interviewed and recorded by representatives of the news portal without obtaining the informed consent of the parent/legal guardian and without the knowledge or permission of the concerned school authorities”.CWC has directed the journalists to appear before it even as the portal submitted a written statement. Separately, CWC issued a fresh advisory prohibiting interviewing, filming and dissemination of videos involving children in ways that may compromise their privacy, dignity, safety or overall well-being.“I took suo motu cognisance after I saw the viral video. At the time, I did not know the identity of the child, his parents or the school. The video had already gone viral,” CWC chairperson Khair-ul-Nisa said.Khair-ul-Nisa feared trouble for the child. “He may not even be able to return to school due to the attention the video has received. The journalists should have exercised greater discretion before uploading the video.” According to the CWC chief, she identified the child’s school from his uniform and directed its principal to appear Saturday for verification of facts.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Directs Apple, Google To Remove 7 Apps From Their Stores Over E-Rickshaw Shutdown ScareCentre To Summon Meta Over Instagram Ads Promoting Child Sexual Abuse: Report’Police Are Not Servants Of CM Or PM’: Bombay High Court Quashes SDPI Leader’s ExternmentFour Former AIADMK Ministers Switch To TVK; Fresh Political Churn Leaves Six Assembly Seats VacantKarur Stampede Flashpoint: TVK-DMK Clash; Former CM Allegedly Blamed For Loss Of LivesTwin-Flower Symbol Under Threat As EC Examines Mamata And Ritabrata Faction ClaimsRam Mandir Donation Row Deepens As Vinay Katiyar Claims Trust Officials Could Face Jail’Unfortunate, We Are All Hurt’: RSS Issues First Statement On Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Donation Theft’SC Raises Questions But Grants Relief To Sonam In Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case Appeal’Will Surrender Before Court’: Jailed Gangster Anmol Bishnoi Wants To Join Salman Khan Firing Trial123Photostories8 traditional South Indian rice dishes for a light, healthy summer dinner (with calories)BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Tamannaah Bhatia serve Yin and Yang-inspired ensembles at the Shiseido launch eventMany men ignore these symptoms until it’s too late: Doctor explain the warning signs of prostate problemsGood or bad? Here’s what psychology really says about live-in relationshipsAlia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh just declared utility dressing the ultimate ‘Alpha’ promotion uniformWhat happens before prayers are answered? 5 signs mentioned in spiritual traditions7 traditional Indian foods that can naturally improve your gut health, according to nutritionist10 types of travel partners that can turn a dream trip into hard workHusband filed for divorce? Here are 7 legal rights he cannot take away from wifeDoctors warn that diabetic kidney damage often has no symptoms: These everyday habits can help lower the risk123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingBrittany MahomesTravis KelceKansas CityFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan
SRINAGAR: A viral video of a 12-year-old child criticising J&K education minister Sakina Itoo took another turn Friday with Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq terming the remarks “impolite” and the govt-run Child Welfare Committee (CWC) summoning the news portal that first uploaded the clip.CWC also ordered cops to take steps to get the clip removed and register an FIR. In the video, the child denounces Itoo for not announcing summer vacations in the Valley despite temperatures rising above 35 degrees Celsius. He is heard saying he “feels the minister may not have children who attend school and she herself might be sitting in an AC room”.Summer vacations in schools in the Valley are usually announced by authorities for around two weeks in July-Aug, with the exact dates depending on the weather.The video has generated heated social media debate. Many have defended the child’s views as free expression, praised his arguments and asked other children to emulate him, while others have criticised him for what they describe as a “troubling lapse in basic upbringing and social values”.Mirwaiz Farooq expressed unease. “Society must ask whether minor children should be exposed to social media in such a manner and used for public reactions without understanding the consequences,” Mirwaiz told a gathering in Jamia Mosque after Friday prayers.CWC’s notice said the child was “interviewed and recorded by representatives of the news portal without obtaining the informed consent of the parent/legal guardian and without the knowledge or permission of the concerned school authorities”.CWC has directed the journalists to appear before it even as the portal submitted a written statement. Separately, CWC issued a fresh advisory prohibiting interviewing, filming and dissemination of videos involving children in ways that may compromise their privacy, dignity, safety or overall well-being.“I took suo motu cognisance after I saw the viral video. At the time, I did not know the identity of the child, his parents or the school. The video had already gone viral,” CWC chairperson Khair-ul-Nisa said.Khair-ul-Nisa feared trouble for the child. “He may not even be able to return to school due to the attention the video has received. The journalists should have exercised greater discretion before uploading the video.” According to the CWC chief, she identified the child’s school from his uniform and directed its principal to appear Saturday for verification of facts.
