What did the Youth Parliament in Rajasthan Assembly say about terrorism, PoK, and national security?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The importance of reclaiming PoK was a significant point of discussion.
- Students emphasized respectful dissent in a democratic setup.
- Critical thinking and fact-checking were highlighted as essential skills in the digital age.
- International pressure on Pakistan was discussed as a potential strategy against extremism.
- Engaging with local populations in Kashmir was deemed essential for lasting peace.
Jaipur, Aug 2 (NationPress) A one-day Youth Parliament was held at the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, where 168 students from 13 states and three union territories shared their views on critical national and international matters, including terrorism, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and the security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
A passionate statement from Kashmiri student Hadika emphasized that PoK is an inherent part of India and underscored the urgency to reclaim it.
Jasmine from Bhiwadi provided a thoughtful insight, noting that while the reclamation of PoK is essential, winning the hearts of the Kashmiri populace is equally crucial; otherwise, any military success would be hollow.
Pranay Gupta from Jaipur called for a robust approach against terrorism, while Diva Sharma from Gwalior voiced significant concerns regarding the current security protocols in Pahalgam.
During the inauguration, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani delivered a motivational address to the youth, highlighting the utmost importance of India’s sovereignty and national unity.
He encouraged young individuals to express dissent with respect and to maintain the decorum of democratic institutions. He also urged students to explore Ramcharitmanas for its profound lessons on family roles and social behavior.
Referencing Indian epics, Devnani compared the Sanjay-Dhritarashtra interaction in the Mahabharata to the first form of television and cited the Pushpak Viman as a representation of ancient scientific foresight.
He cautioned against the misuse of social media and stressed the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking.
“In a democracy, the right to free speech must be honored, but national interest necessitates self-discipline and regulation,” he stated.
Students from classes 9 to 12, representing 55 schools from regions including Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, and Delhi, participated in the Youth Parliament.
With well-researched arguments and confident delivery, 56 students discussed urgent matters such as cross-border terrorism and India's stance on PoK.
The event’s climax was the unanimous adoption of a resolution to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, presented by Hadika from Kashmir, which garnered overwhelming support.
Tanay Bhaven Parikh from Mumbai advocated for a diplomatic and economic boycott of Pakistan and its associates. “Nations that invest in arms should not receive financial aid for food,” he contended.
He called for intensified international pressure, including military measures, to counter Pakistan's reputation rooted in extremism. He stressed that attacks such as those on the Parliament, Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam should not go unaddressed, urging that India's voice must also reflect the struggles of oppressed Pakistani citizens on global platforms.