The female foeticide is the biggest sin against humanity. Despite a series of measures taken by the successive governments in the state this menace cannot be eradicated completely. Alarming reports of female foeticide in Kashmiris highly surprising in a society where protection, security and well being of girls and women is considered as a cultural trait.
The report that three female fetuses were found in dustbin and washroom of a hospital in Kishtwar is deeply frustrating. This act is a highest sin against humanity which would ruin the future of the society.
However, no government in the state or for that matter at the center can alone eradicate it by enforcing laws. Public awareness and participation of civil society is imperative in this regard. The civil society in close coordination with the government has to address this menace.
In a state like Jammu and Kashmir, where majority of the population follows the religious scriptures in their daily lives, female foeticide can never be taken as a new normal. Need of the hour is that the civil society must come forward and start massive awareness campaign with the help of the government to evolve a consensus that Jammu and Kashmir should have zero tolerance for foeticide especially female foeticide in future. Those responsible for such heinous crimes need to be identified and booked under law. Exemplary punishments need to be awarded to the culprits of foeticide so that they don’t set an precedence of impunity.
