Panel discussion on “Human Rights and National Security Concerns in India” at PU

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 Department of Defence and National Security Studiesorganised 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. SurinderShukla, Col. Jaibans Singh, Sh. C. S. Talwar and Mr. VipulAttri 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 emphasised on the idea that we shall have to start from ourselves when we talk about change. Col. JaibansSingh, stated that various International Human Rights organisations 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 organisations 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. SurinderShukla, 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 collaborationbetween military and various think tanks can result as a significant solution to the chaos. Sh. C. S. Talwar, IAS, 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. Mr. VipulAttri, 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.