NCPCR Chairperson advocates child rights policy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 20 2012:
In view of the existing situation in Manipur, Prof Shanta Sinha, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, North East Cell has strongly advocated for a child rights policy for Manipur.
A three-member team of the commission arrived at Imphal on May 18 to take a first hand account of reports of young boys killed in alleged encounters by security forces , and also to make an assessment of child trafficking cases.
Apart from Prof Shanta Sinha, the team included Special Advisor of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights Dr Mishra and NHRC DG Dr DR Kartikyan.
Speaking to media persons today, Prof Shanta Sinha noted that children in many places have been enduring various difficulties and hazards under the conflict situation.
Saying that he was able to see Government's indifference to many cases related to violation of child rights during his three-day visit to the State, he informed that the team was here to look into a complaint about the killing of one young boy namely Ahanthem Amujao of Sawombung in Imphal East district by Manipur Police commandos in an alleged fake encounter on January 27 this year.
Even as letters were written repeatedly to the Government of Manipur to give a detailed report about the said incident, there was no response.
Hence, they came to Manipur.
"So far we have talked to the victim's family, the SP concerned and some witnesses", Shanta Sinha said.
After talking with these people, many incompatibilities and divergent verions were recorded about the particular incident.
During a meeting with the Home Minister, the visiting team was assured that the State Government would investigate and do whatever is necessary regarding the case of Ahanthem Amujao.
Stating that they have received reports about many small children from Manipur being taken to South Indian States on the pretext of providing free education, Sinha remarked that it was illegal to keep the children out of communication with their parents even if they were given free education.
In this regard, the commission sought reports from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has given its assurance necessary actions would be initiated if there was anything illegal.
However, there has been no response from the Government of Karnataka till date.
The team also called on the Chief Minister and relevant high-ranking officials.