IMPHAL, September 28: The Manipur Alliance for Child Rights, (MACR) today organized a one day consultation programme on Juvenile Justice System at the Imphal Hotel.
Convener, MACR K Pradipkumar said as compared with the earlier years, there has been a rapid increase in crimes against children during the 2012-13 period. He said the law enforcers have a significant role to play in rehabilitation and normalization of victim children.
The centrally sponsored Integrated Child Protection Scheme was launched in the state in the year 2009, however, its implementation has been reduced just for namesake.
All concerned has failed to properly utilise the schemes and awareness campaigns launched in the state for the welfare of the victim children, he said.
He appealed to all concerned to be united for the welfare of the children of the state.
Child Welfare Committee, Thoubal chairperson Mala Lisham said the increase in violence against children, including child abuse and child trafficking has reached an alarming rate today.
There are several incidents of violence against children which goes unreported in the state, she said and further lamented that in Manipur, there are several instances when male police personnel interrogate women.
Women in Governance, WIN-G convener N Nonibala said minors should not be stigmatised or discriminated, but should be kept in a good environment.
The rate of child soldier recruitment by armed outfits has increased by a great level, she observed, however, there is no proper report on the issue with the police.
She said even though the government considers anyone under the age of 18 to be juvenile and has taken up several welfare measures for them, the government should not ignore them once they are passed the age of 18.