Govt urged to implement 'state policy for children'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 26 2024: Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) chairman, Keisham Pradipkumar, has emphasised the urgent need for implementing the Manipur State Policy for Children, drafted in 2020, to curb violence against children, even during times of crisis.

Briefing the media at MCPCR's North AOC office on Monday, he opined that the policy, if enacted, could have reduced incidents of violence against children.

Strongly condemning atrocities committed against minors in the ongoing crisis and urging the public to exert pressure on the government to implement the draft policy, the chairpersons also revealed that the commission has registered a suo moto case in connection with the recent killing of six hostages in Jiribam.

Following reports of the abduction of six civilians, including an eight-month-old baby, a 2.5-year-old boy, and an eight-year-old girl, by suspected Kuki militants, the commission promptly wrote to the National Commission for Women (NOW), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and state authorities, including the DGP and security advisor, as well as the DC and SP of Jiribam, urging for safe rescue of the captives.

An urgent appeal to NCW and NCPCR on November 18 led to an NCW team visiting the state on November 19, with an NCPCR team also expected to arrive soon, he confided.

Pradipkumar also condemned the remarks of MLA Paoleinlal Haokip, who reasoned that killing of the hostages was an act of revenge for the death of 10 persons by CRPF.

He noted that the commission has faced challenges in reaching affected areas amid the ongoing unrest but assured that every effort would be made to address the issues faced by children.

Meanwhile, NCPCR brand ambassador and a student of Mega Manipur School, Yaralpat, Jinatri Thounaojam urged the state and central governments to accord priority to safety of children.

Highlighting the mental impact of the crisis on young minds, she said violence against children is unacceptable under any circumstances and called for immediate measures to protect them.

Comment