Children rally against violence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01: Shouting slogans like, "Stop Kidnapping Children for Ransom", "Punish child murderers", "Stop Crimes Against Children", "We Want Peace", "Let Us Study Freely" etc, hundreds of children took out a rally in Maklang area in Imphal West district.

Children taking part in the rally denouncing criminal activities perpetrated against children

The rally was organised by the Centre for Social Development and the Village Women Coordinating Committee constituted by the 14 villages of Sekmai, Lamshang, Konthoujam and Saitu constituency of Senapati district.

The rally which was flagged off from Maklang LP School passed through Maklang Sangaithel and Kachikhul before the rallyists congregated there for a public meeting.

The public meeting was attended by president of the Longa Koireng Women's Development Society R Rengsongak Koireng, former member of Awang Khunou Zilla Parishad H Tombi and Mitlu and Keinahanbi of the Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak as presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion, secretary of the Village Women Coordinating Committee W Prabha lamented that since some years back children of the State have been robbed of their rights to play and study freely without any fear.

As there is proper policy to ensure fundamental rights to children, they are being victimised in different manners, she observed.

Moreover, poor parents and parents using drugs and intoxicants have been denying their children the basic fundamental rights entitled to them, Prabha noted.

Asserting that spoiling children or the children going astray would be suicidal for the nation, she called upon all to mitigate various forces victimising and mutilating the lives of children such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, drug abuse, the menace HIV/AIDS, armed conflict, ethnic conflict, corruption etc.

She also appealed to all to let children play and learn freely without any sense of fear or repression.

Later the meeting resolved to submit a memorandum to the CM urging for necessary provision of education and health care facilities for the children of Haorang Sabal Block under Imphal West-I and to formulate an effective policy for the growth and development of the children of Manipur.