Newmai News Network
Imphal: Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) on Tuesday cautioned parents, guardians, civil society organizations, and all other concerns against sending children, particularly internally displaced children, outside Manipur with the promise of providing free education without prior proper verification.
The MCPCR also expressed concern while alleging that certain organizations and individuals were attempting to lure parents and guardians of internally displaced children with promises of free education and accommodation outside the state.
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It also stated that these efforts may involve illegal transportation of children without proper verification and legal procedures while asserting potential violations of the rights of displaced children.
MCPCR highlighted the impact of the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state, particularly on children from two communities – Meitei and Kuki – who have been subjected to unprecedented levels of violence over the past year.
“The ongoing crisis has not only deprived children of their childhood but also infringes upon their fundamental rights,” it stated.
It further said the prevailing distress situation has often resulted in placing children in unregistered homes and institutions instead of providing them with formal education as mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
It could potentially constitute child trafficking, the statement asserted.
Such practices amounted to a violation of the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act and Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as contravening directives issued by the Supreme Court of India on September 1, 2010, the MCPCR added.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) New Delhi has strongly recommended measures to prevent the illegal transportation of children in view of these concerns, the MCPCR stated.
“Testimonies from rescued children have revealed instances of sexual, physical, and mental harassment, as well as inadequate provision of food and care in some cases,” it observed.
MCPCR then urged parents, guardians, civil society organizations and all other concerned citizens to refrain from soliciting or facilitating the illegal transportation of children to relief camps and communities.
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