Manipur child rights body calls for action over recent violence

Imphal: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) on Wednesday expressed deep anguish and grave concern over recent incidents of violence affecting children in the state.

Commission chairperson Keisam Pradipkumar, in a statement, referred to the incidents of the alleged rape and murder of an 8-year-old internally displaced girl from Moreh, and the killing of two young siblings — a 4-month-old infant girl and her 5-year-old brother — in a terror attack on Tuesday at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district. He said these incidents reflect a disturbing escalation of violence, wherein women and children are increasingly becoming victims of the conflict.

“Such acts constitute grave violations of child rights and human rights as guaranteed under the Constitution of India, as well as relevant provisions of other laws,” Pradipkumar said.

Against the backdrop of the disturbing developments, MCPCR urged the state govt and all concerned authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure prompt, impartial and time-bound investigation into all incidents and to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.

While reiterating that the protection of children is non-negotiable, Pradipkumar said the state bears both a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure every child lives in safety, dignity, and with full protection of their fundamental right to life.

The commission further urged the govt to strengthen security arrangements in relief camps and other vulnerable areas to safeguard children and civilians; activate and reinforce child protection mechanisms — including immediate psychosocial care, trauma counselling, and rehabilitation support for affected children and families; and ensure accountability of all agencies responsible for the protection of civilians, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk zones.

“The commission remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary measures within its mandate to safeguard the rights and well-being of children,” the statement added.