Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 22
In the wake of recent Pulwama attack, the Centre for Human Rights and Duties, in collaboration with the Department of Defence and National Security Studies, organised a panel discussion on ‘Human Rights and National Security Concerns in India: Emerging Challenges.’
Justice Jasbir Singh, president, Chandigarh State Consumer Redressal Commission, was the chief guest. Professor Surinder Shukla, Col Jaibans Singh, CS Talwar and Vipul Attri were part of the panel.
While Justice Jasbir Singh talked about the uselessness of marches and talks and selfies to showcase concerns for the Army.
Jaibans Singh mentioned a few instances of violence against Kashmiris in various other parts of India. However, Justice Jasbir Singh stated: “Under Section 153 (a) of the IPC, beating up Kashmiri innocent students is a punishable offence.”
Section 153 (a) of the IPC deals with cases regarding promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
Professor Surinder Shukla, Department of Political Science, talked about Pulwama attack and said such attacks did not only result in loss of lives, but a loss of trust. She said: “Collaboration between military and various think tanks can be a significant solution to the chaos.”
Highlighting the difference between pseudo human rights activists and ‘real’ human rights activists on the basis of nationalism, IAS CS Talwar said: “In the current scenario, various pseudo human rights activists who have been working deliberatively to undermine national security are a serious threat. The Army is a disciplined force, which has always worked towards upholding human rights.”
Vipul Attri, Joint Secretary, PUCSC, said: “Dr Ambedkar’s rights can’t be absolute.” He deliberated upon why restrictions are necessary.
One-minute silence was observed in the memory of the Pulwama attack martyrs.