In the last decade, rape cases involving minors have become a serious concern in Jammu and Kashmir. In both incidents, Kathua and the recent one in Baramulla, the victims were minors and were gang-raped and murdered. What we observe in the most recent heinous crime in Baramulla is that the girl, a minor with mental disabilities, was abducted. However, the police have arrested the accused. In both incidents, we see the severity of the inhumanity, heinousness, and criminality that shook not just one body but humanity as a whole.
Writing about such painful and shocking incidents is shameful, but at the same time, we must continue to write, as long as we have words to condemn and protect, as long as humanity and justice are to prevail. Let’s not expose the incident in all its brutal detail; instead, let us demand justice for the victim so that it becomes a lesson for others to think a thousand times before committing such acts. We don’t even have the words to express the cruelty of the incident, and let us not keep debating it until another such tragedy occurs, or until it’s too late.
Literally, we cannot blame the law-enforcing agencies, they are doing their best and acting according to the law. But where do we stand as a society? If there are laws to deal with such crimes, what role can society or an individual play? The police can't be everywhere, and protection cannot be provided at every place. Society has to set rules for itself to maintain the social fabric and uphold social norms. Rape is a serious issue because it is done forcibly, and murder is a crime. But in these two cases, rape and murder are one—gang rape with a minor has always been a case of murder. What we, as a society, as conscious citizens, and as responsible parents, can do is the first question, because rape and murder are matters of the safety and security of our daughters.
Besides the defined strict laws for such incidents, we as a society can implement certain measures to stop these immoral activities. These will not only help us prevent immediate minor social crimes, evils, and ill designs but will also aid in combating the broader menace in society.
First and foremost, stress should be laid on moral education. Moral education at home and in schools should be part of the curriculum. We respect modern education based on the activities in today’s schools, but the lack of moral and behavioural education in both schools and homes has become a matter of serious concern. Education should change the behaviour of an individual. What we see today is that our children/students are getting more attracted towards non-social elements and less towards social ones. The gap between social and non-social engagement has become a major barrier between children and society. The isolation from social norms, respect for morality, culture, discipline, and relationships is the main reason why social crimes have become a norm. Today's generation lives in a world of Artificial Intelligence and has become detached from society. Therefore, our homes and schools should have strong coordination to impart moral education that values morality and humanity.
The second important issue is the lack of attention given to children at home by parents. Early-age counselling is highly effective and has a long-lasting impact. In nuclear families, our children are often isolated, especially with uncontrolled access to smartphones. They are exposed to a lot of inappropriate content. When a smartphone with unrestricted internet access is given to a teenage boy or girl, or even to a 9-year-old child, with everything available at their fingertips, what can we expect from them? They often imitate what they watch on mobile devices. Therefore, children should not be left in isolation with smart gadgets and internet facilities, as it not only affects their health but also distorts their perception of social norms and behaviour.
The third reason is that we do not guide our children about social duties and responsibilities. There is a need for awareness on socialization, campaigns on gender sensitization, and workshops in schools and villages about laws, duties, rights, and the consequences of sexual abuse. Most of the children involved in these incidents are teenagers, and many of them can be reformed through education, education that teaches us what is right and wrong and helps shape us into good human beings.
The fourth reason for the frequent occurrence of such crimes is the delay in the judicial process. Courts and authorities should ensure fast-track disposal of rape and murder cases. A public-police cell should be established for reporting children involved in drug abuse, as they are often linked to such crimes. This cell should also help in framing future strategies to prevent social crimes. Surveillance cameras, proper street lighting, safe public transportation, and accessible helplines must be ensured. Friday sermons, local meetings, and public gatherings should be used to denounce such crimes. Religious leaders must speak out to help shape the moral mindset of the youth. NGOs working for the promotion of social values, organic content, lifestyle awareness, and human values must be supported and emphasized.
In short, rape and murder reflect a lack of moral and social norms in society. Moral and social norms can only be achieved when we focus on moral and social education, which will not only help stop social crimes but also build a peaceful, prosperous, and value-based society that moves toward progress and development.

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