J&K Child's 'AC Room' Jibe At Education Minister Over Summer Vacation Delay Sparks Row | Video

Last Updated:July 04, 2026, 09:51 IST

Schools in the Valley generally observe a two-week summer break during July or August, with the schedule decided based on prevailing weather conditions.

A viral video of a 12-year-old boy criticising Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo has triggered fresh controversy, with the government-run Child Welfare Committee (CWC) ordering action against the news portal that first uploaded the clip and Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, describing the child’s remarks as “impolite".

The CWC has directed the police to take steps to remove the video from online platforms and register an FIR. The clip shows the child questioning the minister for not announcing summer vacations despite temperatures in the Valley crossing 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".

Schools in the Valley generally observe a two-week summer break during July or August, with the schedule decided based on prevailing weather conditions.

The video has sparked sharp reactions on social media. While many users defended the child’s comments as an exercise of free expression and praised his views, others criticised the remarks, calling them a “troubling lapse in basic upbringing and social values".

Addressing worshippers at Jamia Mosque after Friday prayers, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq raised concerns over children being featured on social media in such a manner.

“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.

In its notice, the CWC said the child had been “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".

The committee has directed the journalists to appear before it, though the portal has already submitted a written statement. It has also issued a fresh advisory prohibiting the interviewing, filming and dissemination of videos involving children in ways that could compromise their privacy, dignity, safety or overall well-being.

Explaining its decision, CWC chairperson Khair-ul-Nisa said, “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."

Khair-ul-Nisa also expressed concern about the impact the controversy could have on 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 chairperson, the child’s school was identified through his uniform, and the principal has been asked to appear before the committee on Saturday to verify the facts.

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