By SK.Vyas :
Chandigarh February 22, 2019 : Keeping in view the recent heartbreaking Pulwama Attacks in
the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Centre for Human Rights and Duties in
collaboration with the Department of Defence and National Security Studies
organized a panel discussion on the topic – “Human Rights and
National Security Concerns in India: Emerging Challenges.” The panel
consisted of Hon’ble Justice Jasbir Singh as the Chief Guest along
with Prof. Surinder Shukla, Col. Jaibans Singh, Sh. C. S. Talwar and
Vipul Attri as the student representative.
Panelists were welcomed by Prof. Jaskaran Singh Waraich,
Chairperson, Department of Defence and National Security Studies and
were handed over planters. A one minute silence was then observed in
the memory of the victims of Pulwama Attack.
Justice Jasbir Singh, President, State Consumer Disputes
Redressal Commission, UT Chandigarh talked about the uselessness of
the marches and talks, selfies and worded to showcase our concerns for
our army-men. He emphasized on the idea that we shall have to start
from ourselves when we talk about change.
Col. Jaibans Singh, stated that various International Human
Rights organizations while condemning the Pulwama Attacks also
mentioned the few instances of violence against Kashmiris in various
other parts of India. While they completely ignored the facts that a
lot of citizens came to the rescue of these Kashmiris as well. Some of
these organizations are deliberately engaging perception management
with the intent to undermine the image of India in the international
community. Calls for protest and Bandhs by separatists is also an act
of Human rights’ abuse against common citizens whose normal lives are
disrupted as well as that of the functioning of educational and
healthcare institutions.
Col. Jaibans, Prof. Surinder Shukla, Department of Political Science
started with Pulwama Attacks and quoted that such attacks do not only
result in loss of lives but a loss of trust. She also shared that she
feels that the kind of protection which is needed by our soldiers
isn’t being clearly given and this should be Indian citizens’ common
concern. She pointed out that collaboration between the military and
various think tanks can result in a significant solution to the chaos.
C. S. Talwar, said that in the current scenario,
various pseudo human rights activists who have been working
deliberatively to undermine national security is a serious threat.
While talking about the ethos of the Indian Army, he mentioned the
Chief of Army Staff’s commandments for operating in a Counter
Insurgency/ Counter Terrorist environment and stated the Indian Armies
a highly disciplined force which has always worked towards upholding
Human Rights.
Vipul Attri, Joint Secretary, PUCSC emphasised with Dr.
Ambedkar’s ‘Rights can’t be absolute’ and deliberated to why
restrictions are necessary. He then talked about the initiation of
Social Contract and then ended with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology.
Dr. Namita Gupta, Chairperson, Centre for Human Rights and
Duties delivered a vote of thanks. This panel discussion was also
attended by various faculty members, serving military officers,
research scholars, and students of the University.