A minor girl from Jammu and Kashmir is facing online harassment after a video of her hugging a teacher went viral. The incident occurred on October 12, 2025, during the inauguration of a coaching center in Anantnag, Kashmir. The girl is now speaking out against the trolls, asserting that her teachers are like "spiritual fathers" to her.

According to the girl, she is an online student, and meeting her mentor in person was a dream come true. She stated that she apologized to her teacher for the controversy. Overwhelmed by hateful comments, the minor fears that the online abuse has jeopardized her dignity, pushing her to the brink of depression and self-harm.

The incident has sparked outrage among women politicians and child welfare advocates. Iltija Mufti, a politician from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged people to stop harassing the girl, emphasizing the reality of digital harassment in Kashmir. She noted the girl is on the "verge of suicide" because of the unwarranted hateful comments. Ifra Jan, a National Conference spokesperson, condemned the trolls, calling them "vultures," and encouraged the girl to stay strong.

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Anantnag has taken notice of the video's circulation and has instructed social media handlers and individual account holders to delete the content and refrain from sharing it further. Violators will face consequences under the Juvenile Justice Act.

This incident isn't the first instance of teachers facing scrutiny in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2022, a teacher was suspended and charged for allegedly beating students for wearing religious symbols. In 2023, a teacher was arrested for thrashing a student for writing "Jai Shri Ram" on a blackboard.

The recent controversy highlights the increasing concerns about online safety and mental health, particularly among young people. Social media platforms can quickly amplify negativity, leading to severe emotional distress for individuals targeted by online abuse. This case underscores the need for stricter regulations and greater awareness regarding cyberbullying and online harassment.