Guwahati: A recent report by Deccan Herald has uncovered a distressing situation concerning more than 200 displaced children from the Manipur conflict who were taken to Maharashtra by certain Hindu religious organizations, in apparent violation of established norms. According to officials in the Northeastern state, this action has raised serious concerns about the welfare and safety of these children.
The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) revealed that while 50 children have been brought back to the state, their detailed information has not been submitted. Shockingly, officials fear that some of these children may have met unfortunate fates.
An official from the MCPCR emphasised that there are specific rules governing the removal of displaced children from conflict zones. While acknowledging that the intentions of the organizations involved may not have been malicious, the official stressed the importance of adhering to established norms for the welfare of children. Any organization wishing to relocate displaced children must submit detailed information to the local Child Welfare Committee and follow the prescribed procedures.
A senior official, familiar with the situation, disclosed to Deccan Herald that at least five children were rescued from a school in Nashik, Maharashtra, in February amid reports of torture and harassment.
Highlighting a significant precedent, the official referenced a Supreme Court order from 2010, which prohibits the transfer of children below 12 years of age. This order came after a series of incidents where children from Manipur were rescued in Tamil Nadu.
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The official further revealed that all the displaced children involved in this recent incident are Meiteis. However, there are suspicions that displaced Kuki children might have faced similar situations. Efforts are underway to gather more information from the Kuki hills region.
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