UKHRUL: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has taken cognizance of the Molnoi blast that occurred at Molnoi Kuki village in Tengnoupal district, Manipur on December 20, leaving three children critically injured.
The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.
In a notification issued on Saturday, MCPCR, constituted under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, stated that three minor children sustained critical injuries due to a bomb/explosive device explosion on December 20 while playing at Molnoi Kuki village, under Pallet Police Station.
The injured children were identified as Linus Hemgou Hou Baite (10 years), son of Douthanglen Baite; Alex Jamgubsei Baite (8 years), son of Douthenglen Baite; and Ngamgunmang Haokip (8 years), son of Late Haokholen Haokip.
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The three children are presently undergoing treatment in the ICU of a private hospital in the state.
The Commission stressed that the presence of unsecured arms and explosive remnants in civilian areas has rendered villages unsafe for children, making them innocent victims of a prolonged, insecure environment.
“The Commission views this incident with grave concern, as it constitutes a serious violation of the child’s right to life, safety, survival, and development, as guaranteed under Articles 21 and 21A of the Constitution of India, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and Section 3 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015,” it stated.
The MCPCR, in exercise of its powers under Sections 13 and 14 of the CPCR Act, 2005, and in the best interest of the affected children, recommended that the district administration and state authorities bear the full cost of medical treatment, including ICU care, medicines. and post-hospital rehabilitation; ensure issuance of Health Cards to the families, or where already issued, ensure unhindered access to benefits under CMHT and/or Ayushman Bliarat—PMJAY; and initiate enrollment of the children under the Sponsorship Scheme of Mission Vatsalya, or other eligible welfare and rehabilitation schemes, to ensure sustained financial and psychosocial support.
The Commission requested the DC to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the recommendations within 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice.
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