Imphal, October 30 2009: Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) and Coalition on Children's Right to Protection (CCRP), Manipur have demanded child protection action plan for children affected by armed conflict.

Expressing grave concern on the ever increasing cases of collateral injuries of armed conflict inflicting various children, a statement issued by Central Committee of MACR, Montu Ahanthem and convenor of CCRP, S Sharaju urged both the state actors and armed opposition groups to restrain from causing injuries to civil population and children.

It observed that 'safe passage' should be given to civil population and children in any armed confrontation.

Citing the recent case of injury inflicted to Master Irengbam Itamba (16) son of I Kunjo of Pungdombam Awang Leikai, Imphal East who hurt by a bullet in an encounter on October 29 at itam Thong under Lamlai Police Station, the statement demanded that the state should ensure proper medical care, compensation and provide counseling to Master Itamba.

It further stated that the state should take up all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by the ongoing armed conflict in compliance of provision of Article 38 (4) of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"It is high time for the state government to frame a 'child protection action plan' for children affected by armed conflict," the statement observed.