IMPHAL, October 12: The Frontal Catholic Lay Organizations of Manipur in an informal meeting on October 11, the first day of the UN marked International Day of Girl Child, expressed deep shocked and sadness that innocent children have become mere tools for pleasure and human shields for criminals in our society in Manipur, said a release of All Manipur Catholic Union (AMCU).
According to the release, the alleged brutal murder of a 19-year-old Kh Catherine, a student of Class X by a criminal, still at large and the alleged inhuman gang rape and attempted murder of four young students at Khoupum Area allegedly by ZUF cadres are despicable crimes, most unwanted elements in a civilized society.
“These children should be growing up in an atmosphere where there is security: where they are most safe, valued and loved. However, sadly, in our gun-cultured society in Manipur these innocent children have no space to grow in freedom: freedom from physical, psychological and sexual violence,” it further said.
The Frontal Catholic Lay Organizations including AMCU, MCWO and MCYO have urged the government to book the culprits and give the just punishment they deserve at the earliest.
They also appealed the government to speedily extend a helping hand to those innocent victims and their families: medical, psychological, financial, and future education.
Further they have appealed to all parents, religious and social organizations to condemn such heinous acts and take a special measure to protect and safeguard the rights of the children and ensure a non-politicised, non-discriminatory and safe atmosphere for the future of our children.
They have also appealed to all the proscribed insurgent groups (Hills and Valley) not to harassed children in anyway, not to disturb the educational institutions and areas and not to politicize school children through whatever channels or organizations. “Let our children grow up and acquire education in an atmosphere where there is security, reasonable discipline and freedom.”