Red Hand Day observance held across state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 12 2022: As part of its campaign against child soldier recruitment, InSIDE North East observed Red Hand Day in different parts of the state on Saturday.

The observances were held at five places in Kangpokpi and Noney districts namely Joujangtek, L Salemphai, Wakonphai, C Aisan and Thangkanphai with the participants raising the slogan "Stop Using Children as Soldiers".

Speaking on the occasion, InSIDE North East director Hejang Misao explained that Red Hand Day observance is very much in sync with its flagship programme "Gun2Pen" that envisages every child a responsible and contributing citizen.

Clarifying that he is not against any armed movement but against child soldier recruitment, the director stressed that children should be in school studying, and not given arms to fight.

He expressed hope that when every child has access to quality education and Manipur will once again witness peace and justice where every community lives with the true spirit of fraternity and love.

Centre for Women and Girls (CWG) also observed Red Hand Day or the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers at Cherith Foundation School in Pallel on Saturday.

The programme supported by Terres des Hommes, Germany was participated by 70 children and youths including students from Cornerstone Academy, Pallel.

Speaking on the occasion, CWG secretary Hechin Haokip explained about the significance of the day, the ways in which children are vulnerable to recruitment, and the use of child soldiers as porters and informants.

She also talked of the difficulties child soldiers face during reintegration and urged the children to express their solidarity toward child soldiers around the world.

Cherith Foundation School principal Kimsi mentioned her past experiences of coming across uniformed child soldiers and urged the children to pray for theft fellow brothers and sisters.

During the programme, children read testimonies of former child soldiers from countries like Myanmar and Colombia, and enacted short plays based on these stories.

At the end of the observance, they all dipped their hands in red paint and imprinted them on a piece of cloth, symbolising an end to recruitment and use of child soldiers.

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