Claiming to be a volunteer force dedicated to “cleaning up” and caring for neglected individuals, the Kashmir Youth Courage (KYC) group is facing significant backlash for its controversial and potentially harmful practices. Their actions, which involve forcibly grooming and ‘cleaning up’ vulnerable people, have sparked widespread debates about the legality and ethics of the group’s operations.
Concerns have been raised about the motivations and methods employed by KYC. The group frequently records their interventions and shares them on social media, leading to speculation that publicity might be one of their key motives. Recently, KYC has also begun soliciting donations to establish rehabilitation centers. However, these efforts lack validation and legitimacy, as the group is not authorized and has no formal credentials to operate such facilities.
KYC’s approach involves forcibly cutting hair, cleaning individuals, and dressing them if their staff finds them on the streets. While these actions may seem well-intentioned, they raise serious legal and ethical issues.
According to research conducted by the Indian Express, Section 351 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines ‘assault’ as an offense involving physical interference without consent. This is directly relevant to KYC’s practices, as their forced grooming and cleaning could be considered a form of assault, given the lack of consent. The Mental Health Care Act 2017 further underscores the importance of consent and dignity in treating mentally ill individuals, which KYC’s actions appear to violate.
“Their processes lack oversight by professionally qualified individuals. KYC operates without legal authority or expertise in mental health care, law enforcement, or social work, which further highlights the illegality of their actions,” the research noted. This extrajudicial exercise of authority over people’s lives is more akin to vigilantism than humanitarianism.
Legal and Professional Oversight
Critics argue that KYC’s actions are not only misguided but also potentially dangerous. Operating outside legal and professional frameworks, KYC’s practices are often more harmful than helpful, especially for those with mental health issues. Legal experts stress that such cases should only be handled by qualified professionals within the boundaries of the law. KYC’s disregard for these safeguards poses a serious threat to the rights and well-being of the individuals they aim to assist.
Call for Accountability
KYC’s activities represent a troubling form of vigilantism disguised as community service. While their intentions may be noble, their methods are illegal, unethical, and more likely to cause harm than good.
Authorities must take immediate action to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the proper support they need through legal and appropriate means. Failure to do so would allow KYC to continue violating individual rights and endangering public safety, serving as a cautionary tale for all well-intentioned initiatives that must respect the rule of law and the dignity of every person.
Questionable Backgrounds of Key Members
Musadiq Bashir, a leading member of KYC, has a questionable background. Before joining KYC, he ran a YouTube channel featuring technical videos, including tutorials on adding signatures to documents and footage related to a Srinagar boat incident. This raises concerns about his role within KYC.
Other volunteers, including Yawar Rashid, Muhammad Tajamul, Sabzar Bhat, and Faizan Bashir, are also under scrutiny. Detailed information about them is being investigated and will be reported soon.
