29-07-2023 : The alarming revelation that almost 10,000 women have gone missing from Jammu and Kashmir between 2019 to 2021 has sparked deep concern and raised questions about the safety and security of women in the region. The government of India disclosed this shocking information in the Parliament, shedding light on a distressing issue that demands urgent attention and action.
According to the data provided by the Minister of State for Home, Ajay Mishra, out of the total missing cases, there were 1,148 cases of missing girls below the age of 18 and a staggering 8,617 cases of women aged above 18 who have gone missing during this three-year period. The yearly data reveals a troubling trend, with 355 girls and 2,738 women reported missing in 2019, followed by 350 girls and 2,701 women in 2020, and 443 girls and 3,178 women in 2021.
The magnitude of the problem becomes even more apparent when we compare this data to the numbers from the preceding three years (2016-2018). During this period, around 3,300 women were reported missing in Jammu and Kashmir. The sharp increase in the number of missing cases from 2019 to 2021, almost tripling the previous count, raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of women in the region.
One of the significant reasons attributed to the rising number of missing cases is the excessive use of social media. The widespread availability and accessibility of social media platforms have brought both opportunities and challenges. While social media has facilitated communication and connectivity, it has also given rise to potential risks, including online harassment, cyberbullying, and exploitation. Criminal elements have taken advantage of social media platforms to lure vulnerable women, leading to their disappearance.
The increasing number of missing women in Jammu and Kashmir is a cause for grave concern and requires comprehensive investigation and intervention. The government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society must work collaboratively to address the underlying factors contributing to these disappearances and implement effective preventive measures.
Ensuring the safety and protection of women should be a top priority for the authorities. Awareness campaigns about online safety and responsible social media usage can help empower women to protect themselves from potential dangers. Moreover, strengthening the law enforcement system to respond promptly and effectively to missing persons cases is crucial in ensuring timely action and the safe return of those who have gone missing.
Additionally, community involvement and support play a vital role in curbing such incidents. Engaging local communities, civil society organizations, and women’s groups can create a network of support and vigilance to prevent and address cases of missing women.
It is imperative that all stakeholders work in unison to address this pressing issue and establish a safer environment for women in Jammu and Kashmir. By taking concrete steps and adopting a multi-pronged approach, we can strive to protect the rights and dignity of women and ensure that their safety is not compromised in any way.