Activists Urge Action to Save Women's Support Cells in Jammu and Kashmir

Over 600 women's rights activists have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to prevent the closure of special women's support cells in Jammu and Kashmir. The dissolution, due to halted funding by the National Commission for Women, jeopardizes essential services aiding nearly 9,800 survivors of violence in the region.

A collective of over 600 women's rights advocates is calling on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate action to avert the looming shutdown of critical women's support cells. The potential closure comes after the National Commission for Women decided to halt its funding.

In a letter, prominent figures such as Shabnam Hashmi and Dr. Syeda Hameed emphasized the importance of these cells, which offer counselling and legal support to women facing violence. The initiative, launched in November 2021, has been instrumental for nearly 9,800 survivors across Jammu and Kashmir's 20 districts.

Activists have highlighted the necessity of exploring alternative funding options and ensuring the sustainability of these cells. They underscore that losing this service would reverse progress in women's rights protection, urging government intervention to keep the initiative alive.

(With inputs from agencies.)