Manipur Child rights alliance visits home were children were routinely raped by administrator

By Alex Guite

LAMKA, March 11: A committee of the Manipur Alliance for Child Right, MACR, Imphal, headed by its convener Keisham Pradip along with four members and councillor of the CWC, Manipur, in collaboration with the MACR, Churachandpur Chapter, went on a fact finding mission, accompanied by a group of media men, in regards to the case of organised and routine rape of minors at the North Eastern Children Home,NECH, located at Rangkai, Lamka, by its administrator Timothy L. Changsan who is now in jail yesterday.

The team went to the Home, which is one of the most well run homes of the district, where the seven minor girls, who ran away from the Home, made a formal complaint of sexual harassment, torture and rape by the administrator, who was describe by many as serials offended and a sex maniac.

The offender is currently in police custody waiting to be charge sheeted.

It may be recalled the IFP broke the news of this sex crime.

Officials of the Home told the visiting team that they are keeping by the order of the CWC and are doing everything to protect the unfortunate seven girls. They however said they are unaware of any further development in the case.

They said they did not intervene in the matter because it was beyond their jurisdiction to do so but they were aware `the girls were terrorized by the influential administrator of the Home.`

They said they were aware the test are underway if the girls were actually physically raped or else it was technical rape as per legal definition. They said they were aware under the new POCSO Act, molestation or advance with ill intention are considered rape.

The fact finding team will also meet with some relatives of the victim girls but were surprise by the fact that the response to the crime by the CCpur public was less then lukewarm with no women and student organizations coming out in the open to protest or condemn the rape.

A top functionary of a girls Home of the district confided that the lukewarm response and sombre attitude of different organizations is on account of the money power and influence of the offender. The fact that the children were orphans also may contribute to this lack of support, they said.

The MACR, Manipur `s convener echoed this line by saying that `why would even parents keep silence after knowing that their children were abused.`

The surprising fact was also the absence of child right activists of the district. Equally surprising was the police who too restrained parents to meet their wards.

It was also learned during the tour that the school, also a Home, was known for corporal punishments.

Many believe police officers are hands in gloves with the culprit.

Of the total of 28 girls borders the Home sheltered before IFP broke the scandal, the home now has only 21 girls. The remaining girls were given counselling by the MACR team.

Teacher’s assault of student evokes much concern

IMPHAL, June 19: The Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) has expressed grave concern over the repeated incidents of subjecting young students to physical assaults and mental harassment in the name of disciplining by their own teachers in the State.

According to a release of the MACR, the recent incident involving a teacher of the St Joseph School Sangaiprou which occurred on June 16 is quite deplorable and highly condemnable.

It testified again that school authorities and teachers are still unable to give up the outdated concept of using “Corporal Punishment” as a part of education in the schools.

It is quite horrendous to learn that a young student of class VI was mercilessly assaulted by canning with as much as 51 counts on both palms other parts of the body by a teacher that dropped the child in a severe traumatic condition.

It is a stark violation of the Section 17 (1) of Right of Children to free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which prohibits physical and mental harassment to child. And the St. Joseph Schools authority needs to understand that, whoever contravenes the sub -section (1) shall be liable to disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to such person, it said.

MACR has appealed the school authority to be more sensible in the Right to Education of the child and to stop any kind of re-victimizing approach, which may affect the academic career or emotional health of the child. It further appealed the school authority, student’s bodies and state authority to take up immediate steps so that normal academic atmosphere is restored in the school, and every child gets his or her right to education without fear of Corporal Punishment and re-victimisation, it said.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association, Imphal has also expressed grave concern over the issue which has resulted in the arrest of several members of the DESAM.

A press release of the association has said that it strongly condemned the teacher’s physical assault on a student and the arrest of the 16 members of DESAM due to a misunderstanding by the police.

Moreover, the association has also submitted a memorandum to DESAM appealing not to impose bandhs or blockades regarding the issue and not to take up any issue against the Education sector as well.

It further appealed to DESAM not to inflict any form of disturbance during the programme ‘Disturbance Free Zone in Education’ to be held on July 5 through out Manipur, it said.

The association has also appealed for the release of the arrest of the 16 members of DESAM in order to avoid any agitations from student organisations, it said.

The All India Students’ Federation (AISF) Manipur State Council has also demanded the government to take up necessary steps on the issue.

According to a release of the council, a teacher beating his student is not for personal gain but in order to draw the student to the right path.

Similarly, DESAM’s assault on the teacher is due to his misconduct, it said.

The issue was due to the teacher’s excessive use of force against the student which the student body considered to be an insult to the whole student community, it said.

The council has appealed to resolve the issue as soon as possible in order to avoid any form of agitation. It also appealed the release of DESAM members as soon as possible.

It further stated that it is necessary for the student, teacher and members of DESAM to arrange a meeting with the government and discuss the issue in a democratic manner as soon as possible otherwise any form of agitation that may occur will be sole responsibility of the government, it said.

All Manipur Students’ Guardian Organisation has also joined in the several organisation in condemning the incident.

A statement of the organisation signed by its secretary organisation S Sumati said that the incident of a teacher assaulting his student in such a reputed school like the St Joseph High School is condemnable.

She further appealed to the school authorities to check the credentials and qualifications of candidates prior to their recruitment as teachers.

On the other hand it is also wrong for a student association like DESAM to summon a teacher and thrashing him, she said.

The quick response of the State police is also laudable, she said.

Sumita further appealed to revoke the stand for stronger form of agitation from the DESAM if the apprehended 16 DESAM members are not released within 24 hours time and also showed interest to legally punish the teacher accordingly.

Sumati further mentioned that the incoming trend of serving harsh punishment to the students at private schools has triggered fear psychosis among the guardians from putting their wards to private schools and boardings.

Later she appealed not to repeat the incident in future and to release the 16 apprehended DESAM members at the earliest.

JJB registers case against St Joseph teacher for corporal punishment

IMPHAL, June 19: A day after the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West remanded the 16 members of Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) to six days police custody for assaulting a computer science teacher of St Joseph School at their office, the Juvenile Justice Board, Imphal West, Takyelpat has registered a case against the teacher identified as Gurumayum Rupachandra Sharma, 35 son of G Jadumani Sharma of Uripok Achom Leikai.

Gurumayum Rupachandra Sharma is charged of meting out corporal punishment to a student of the St Joseph School.

According to reports, the case (JJB/IW Case No 6 of 2015) was registered under Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 and Indian Penal Code Section 324.

Along with registering the case, the Board has also issued an order today directing Officer-in-Charge of Lamphel Police Station to investigate the incident.

The order was collectively signed by Principal Magistrate of Juvenile Justice Board, Imphal West RK Memcha Devi; Member Rarry Mangsatabam and Member T Rojibala Devi.

The copy of the order was submitted to the Special Juvenile Police Unit, Lamphel Police Station under Rule 10 (b) of JJ Act (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2007.

A copy of the order was also submitted each to Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur and Superintendent of Police (SP) Imphal West.

As per the order, Lamphel police should submit report of the investigation to the Juvenile Justice Board, Imphal West within June 24, the reports stated.

PIL filed against closure of educational institutes

IMPHAL, July 17: A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the High Court of Manipur demanding immediate restoration of academic atmosphere of all educational institutions located within Imphal area by quashing of the official orders imposing temporary closure of all education institutes in Imphal areas.

According to the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, its deputy secretary Education and Academic Affairs Nameirakpam Edison Meitei has filed the PIL today with the State government through principal secretary (Education) and deputy secretary (Education S) and deputy secretary (Hr & Tech Education) as respondents.

In the PIL, the petitioner has said that on July 8, there was a protest made by a group of students of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy therey demanding introduction of the ILPS in Manipur and while controlling the said protest, a student was killed by the Manipur Police when firing a tear gas shell towards the protestors.

It said in order to control any untoward incident in and around Greater Imphal areas, indefinite curfew was imposed.

The PIL said the same day, deputy secretary (Education S) issued an order stating that the government has noted with deep concern the disturbances of the normal functioning of schools in Imphal by the resurgent agitations demanding ILPS in Manipur and in consideration of the physical safety and security of the students of all educational institutions located in Imphal area, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to order the temporary closure of all educational institutions in greater Imphal areas.

It also claimed that the same day, deputy secretary (Hr & Tech Education) also issued another order imposing temporary closure of all higher and technical educational institution in Greater Imphal areas.

It continued that on July 11, the deputy commissioners of Imphal West and East lifted the curfew partially during day time. However, even after lifting of curfew during daytime, all the educational institutions in Imphal West and Imphal East area have remained closed without any justifiable reason, which is hampering the academic atmosphere of the students of both the districts drastically, the petitioner said in his PIL.

On July 13, the respondents had convened a meeting and decided to re-open the educational institutes from July 16, however, till date no public notification has been issued for opening of educational institutions and resumption of normal classes.

The petitioner has alleged that the respondents have failed to implement the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which has been enacted by the Parliament for securing free and compulsory education to the children and that the prolonged closure of educational institutions of Imphal West and Imphal East Districts of Manipur has caused untold hardships to the bonafide students and their parents.

Man charged under POSCO bailed out: MACR-CC

LAMKA, June 17: Churachandpur is a place inhabited by diverse people, all speaking different languages with a history of living together through up and down since time immemorial, Manipur Alliance For Child Right Ccpur Chapter (MACR-CC) convener Rev Nicky Thanga told the press today.

The press conference was held at the MACR-CC cum observatory home located at Ramther, Ccpur.

The conference was called in connection to the grant of bail to Timothy Changsan who is charged under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of serial raping girls, many of whom are orphans in a children home where he was the director.

Meanwhile, it is also learnt from other sources that the police have no idea of the bail and that Timothy who is out on bail is in Imphal which is against the law. As he is out on bail he cannot leave the district otherwise his bail stands cancelled.

Nicky Thanga also said that he has informed the CJM, Churachandpur, who expressed that he had not received any plea from Timothy to leave the district.

On the other hand sources also informed that Timothy is suffering from kidney and cardiology related health problems.

The MACR-CC also demanded the arrest of the accused and to clear up how a man charged un POSCO was bailed out.

Rev Nicky also tells that the center MACR and Manipur Commission for protection of children had been working on this case and the culprit will be punished according to the law of the land.

MACR and Press Conference at Imphal on Right to protection issues

Ugly truth of crimes against children laid bare

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 17 2014: There are a total of 362 children from 38 villages in Chandel, Ukhrul, Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts staying out of their respective villages.

The total number of children include 187 girls.

While 353 of them are out of their villages for studies, nine of them are out for earning.

Seventy nine of them are outside the State and 283 are within the State, according to a 2014 consolidated child tracking report of the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights.

The survey covered nine villages in Bishnupur district, two villages in Ukhrul district, 16 villages of Chandel district and 11 villages of Churachandpur district.

195 of them are presently staying with their parents, 65 of them are in boarding, 37 of them in house rent, 54 children are staying with their guardians, 9 of them are in children homes while the present staying condition of 2 of the children are not mentioned.

In the nine villages covered in Bishnupur district, the survey finds that only two children, a boy and a girl are outside their village while three boys are out of their village in respect of Ukhrul district.

In the 16 villages covered in the survey in Chandel district, 220 children including 106 girls, are out of their village for study.

64 of them are staying outside the State while the rest are within the State.

In the 11 villages of Churachandpur, 131 children including 77 girls are found out of their village.

Six of them are outside the State while 125 are within the State.

During a press meet today at Manipur Press Club, the MACR also released its consolidated statistics of various crimes against children in the State during the period beginning from September 2012 to November 11, 2014 .

According to the MACR statistics, sexual assault has been committed on 42 children while there have been 86 cases of child trafficking.

69 trafficked victims have been rescued and 11 are still untraceable.

Four reported child soldiers were returned/released and there are two children suspected to be recruited as child soldiers.

The statistics also indicated that there were 5 blast injured victims, two cases of attempt to kidnap/murder, five cases of molestation, 31 cases of physical assault, one case of live infant abandonment, one case of defamation and one case of gun attack.

The figure also showed that there are four children murdered in various cases, five murders after sexual assault, one death in communal clash, six lifeless newly born infant recovered, ten suicide and one bomb blast victim.

Ironically, there is no confirmed report of rescued survivors rehabilitation.

Although the culprits involved in such crimes were arrested, most of them were released on bail.

No charge-sheet has been filed in time and charge-sheets are not filed in many of the cases.

During the period, two culprits �a police commando driver and an actor, involved in the reported rape of a student have been convicted.

There is also no confirmed report on culprits absconding.

The total number of children affected by different child rights violation reported so far is 196 excluding five children murdered after sexual assault, according to the MACR statistics.

Speaking at the press meet, convener of MACR, Keisham Pradipkumar highlighting the urgency of child tracking portal urged the authority concerned to launch the same without any further delay in order to ensure protection of children.

Deploring the meagre budgetary allocation for child welfare programme in the State, MACR consultant Dr B Deven said no child welfare programme can be implemented efficiently due to meagre budget.

He urged all concerned to increase the budget in the child welfare sector so that their rights are protected

Integrated Child Development Schemes fail in Manipur due to fund crunch: Keisham Pradip Kumar

Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, November 17 2014: Even if the state is witnessing alarming rise in crime cases against children, the government is yet to provide rehabilitation centres and other compensations for the child victims.

This was stated by Keisham Pradip Kumar, convener of Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) while interacting with media persons at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.

In his address to media persons, Pradip Kumar said that the schemes designed by the Central government for the welfare of the children have not been implemented in Manipur due to inadequate funds.

As such, the Alliance has demanded a separate budget for the gender and children.

He also said that even in the advent of high technology like Online Track Child System to prevent child trafficking, the Manipur government has not been able to launch such beneficial measures in the state which is rather a disappointment.

Online Track Child System has been introduced in many states of India by the National Information Centre (NIC), but this system is not operational yet in Manipur, lamented Pradip Kumar.

Further, he said that due to lack of funds, many Integrated Child Development Schemes (ICDS) failed to succeed in Manipur.

According to the MACR report, during year 2012-2014, as much as 42 children were sexually assaulted and 86 children were victims of child trafficking.

Also according to survey conducted by MACR in April-May, 2014 in 438 villages of four districts of Manipur, 362 children were reportedly found staying away from their villages in order to get education or in work related matters.

The survey was conducted in Chandel, Ukhrul, Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, added Pradip Kumar.

MACR survey finds 362 children in four districts staying away from home

http://ifp.co.in/page/items/24014/macr-survey-finds-362-children-in-four-districts-staying-away-from-home

IMPHAL, November 17: A recent survey conducted by the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights in 38 villages across the four districts of Chandel, Churachandpur, Bishnupur and Ukhrul, found that 362 children under the age of 16 years staying outside their native villages either studying or working.

This was observed by the MACR convenor Keisham Pradipkumar during a press conference held at the Manipur Press Club today.

He said the survey was conducted to check child trafficking which has been on a rise in the State in recent times. 

He urged the government and its concerned department for the formal launch its online portal ‘Track Child’ to identify and track all missing child. Other States have already launched this portal, he said.

He continued the issue of child trafficking in the State has reach an alarming rate and needs serious consideration.

He said out of the 362 children found staying outside their villages, 187 were girls and 353 of them were sent away from home for studies, whereas nine of them to earn.

79 of them have been sent outside the State, he continued.

Chandel recorded the highest number of children staying outside their respective villages during the survey, he said.

Although the Right to Education Act is properly implemented in the State, many students are found staying outside their villages for earning purposes which is a major issue, he observed.

He further observed citing the Comptroller and Auditor General findings that the funds sanction for the law enforcing agency under the Home department is very huge as compared to that sanctioned for the departments of Social Welfare, Education and Family Welfare.

At the same time, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights is lying totally defunct and is there only for the namesake, which is an injustice of the government, he added.

State level consultation prog held

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/page/items/43368/state-level-consultation-prog-held

IMPHAL, Sep 26: A one day consultation programme on the Integrated Child Development scheme (ICDS) and Early Childhood Care and Education was organised today by the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

Speaking during the programme, MACR convenor K Pradipkumar asserted, “Early Childhood Care and Education is a component of the Integrated Child Development scheme. ICDS is an important initiative undertaken for the well being of the children. This scheme was launched in order to enhance the growth and health of 0-6 year old children. However, in our State, the scheme has been overlooked.”

He said that though most of the components of the ICDS have been undertaken, its sponsorship is yet to be inducted.

Social Welfare Department Programme Officer Mala Lisam stated that according to the MoU signed between the State Government and the Central Government in 2009, all the required staff for the State-level State Project Support Unit, State Child Protection Society and Adolescence Resource Agency have been employed effectively from October 2013. Similarly, District Child Protection Unit, CWC and Juvenile Justice Board has been initiated in every district of the State.

There are altogether 14 children home in Manipur run by the NGOs, two each under the Centre and Open Centre, one Observation Centre, one children home and five Specialised Education Agencies under the Government and one which is run by the LDO, she added.

90 per cent of the ICDS has been funded by the Central Government and the remaining 10 percent by the State Govt. With their support, various benefits are now available for the children residing in children homes in every district under close monitoring of the Child Protection Unit, Mala Lisam stated. The role of anganwadi workers was elaborately emphasised by Kamjong CDPO Tabitha A Shimray.

Youth Life Foundation secretary L Pisak spoke on ECCE and its challenges.

Six residential schools constructed in Churachandpur

http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=14..260914.sep14

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 25 2014: Concluding the second day of the Public Information Campaign (PIC) on flagship programmes of Central Government underway in B Vengnuom village of Churachandpur district under the initiative of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Imphal, the Centre under several schemes has benefited under privileged groups and people below poverty line along with all other needy families living in rural and urban areas.

According to Gojendra Singh, DPM SSA ZEO Churachandpur, six residential special schools have been opened with an estimate of 365 students enrolled till date at Churachandpur district under the Central government's flagship programme, Sarva Shiksa Abhiyan (SSA) .

In-service teachers were also imparted training to improve and adapt to the new teaching pattern, under SSA.

One additional class room each for over 100 schools have been constructed and separate washrooms for girls in 173 schools during the year 2010-11 .

Ten junior high schools in 2010-11 and seven higher secondary level schools in 2012-13 were provided with computer sets under SSA, Gojendro stated.

RTE Act bars and prohibits corporal punishment, mental harassment, screening procedure, capitation fees, private tuition by teachers and running of schools without recognition, Gojendro maintained.

Meanwhile, the National Health Mission is being implemented at Churachandpur District giving emphasis to Reduction of Maternal Mortality Rate, (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Reduction of Total Fertility Rate (TFR) under Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) .

The State has also established Manipur State Committee for Protection of Child Rights under the Act, he added.

Speaking as resource person on the second day of the three-day Public Information Campaign, District Project Officer Jouneikim of ICDS Cell Churachandpur said the Central government's flagship programme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) which aims at tackling malnutrition and health problems in children below 6 years of age and their mothers are being implemented relentlessly in the district ever since its initiation.

Another resource person, Joycy Lalrinpui PO DRDA Churachandpur added that a total of about 56,499 job cards have been issued under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for Churachandpur district during the period from january till September this year.

A total of 108 school going children in Churachandpur have acquired the benefits of Mid-Day-Meal - a scheme of the Government of India.

Training programme for Juvenile Police Units commences

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/page/items/42845/training-programme-for-juvenile-police-units-commences

Training programme for Juvenile Police Units commences

IMPHAL, Sep 11: A three day Training Programme for the Juvenile Special Police Units of Imphal East and Imphal West commenced today at State Bal Bhawan, Khuman Lampak, Imphal.

The training programme is organised by the Department of Social Welfare under the sponsorship of the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD).

The opening day of the three days training programme was attended by Joint Secretary of Social Welfare Department H Rupachandra Singh, Director of Social Welfare Department Dr Rangitabali Waikhom and Deputy Director of Social Welfare Department Th Joychandra Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

While speaking as the chief guest of the function H Rupachandra said that the training programme has been organised to train the concerned authorities pertaining to the ways of treatment and reformation of the under 18 teens who have involved in criminal activities.

He further asserted that juvenile cases, in earlier days, were treated in the same way as any other adult or mature criminal cases. They were remanded in the same lockups where the adult criminals were remanded.

Treatment of juvenile cases like genuine criminal cases had led to destruction of children's career and life which could have been reformed.

Since the Juvenile Justice Act was passed by the Indian parliament, new provisions have been added to help juvenile accused through reformation and rehabilitation.

There were cases of child trafficking where children were rescued from Singapore and Bangalore who were taken there for employment in business establishments as labourers. Parents of these children were misguided by some NGOs or pseudo mission workers in the name of free education. The rescued children are being provided free education, note-books and school uniforms.

On the basis of the guidelines of the Juvenile Justice Act, if a child gets caught for his/her involvement in criminal cases, he /she would be kept under observation instead of cells or lockups so that the children can be reformed psychologically and bring back the wayward children to the mainstream, he added. While giving his presidential speech during the function, Th Joychandra Singh said that there are different provisions and special juvenile police units to tackle juvenile cases. It also helps the children who were involved in criminal activities to reform themselves, who would otherwise become real criminals.

Guest of honour of the function, Dr Rangitabali Waikhom said that the training programme has been organised specially for the Imphal East and West District Juvenile Police Units. The units have been established under the concerned district police stations on the basis of Juvenile Justice Act.

The setup has been established in each police stations to tackle selected juvenile cases.

The training programme has been organised to provide a safety net for such children by holding detailed discussions on the rules and objectives of the Juvenile Justice Act, she added.

During the technical session of the function, Programme Officer (CNCP) of State Child Protection Society, Sandhyarani Mangshatabam spoke on the Introduction of ICPS and its service delivery structures.

Also, president CORE, Debabrata Roy Laiphungbam spoke on Child Rights: UNCRC perspective and Human Defender Indigenous perspective while Nandini Thokchom spoke on Analysis of Children in Manipur.

Significantly Manipur has seen a number of crimes committed by minors in the last few years.

A number of crime committed by youngsters has been reported in the State dailies and many had expressed deep concern over the growing crime rate amongst minors.

NRHM medical programme at Thoubal, Kakching and Lilong

http://ifp.co.in/page/items/22989/nrhm-medical-programme-at-thoubal-kakching-and-lilong

THOUBAL, September 8: Under the National Rural Health Mission, District Health Society, Thoubal has started the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) programme as well as the health examination of government school students under the age of 18 was conducted for Thoubal, Kakching and Lilong Block today onward.

The selected Mobile Medical Unit vehicles which include doctors for the 3 blocks were sent off by Chief Medical Officer of Thoubal, Doctor S. Saratkumar from his Office Complex. The CMO also inspected the 1st screening of students done by doctors at Khoirom Junior High School, Yairipok.

Doctor Saratkumar, on explaining the reason for conducting the progamme, said that the main aim of the programme was to examine the reason for growth deficiency, diseases caused by vitamin deficiency, common diseases such as infection of ears, dental problems of children under 18 years of age. In addition to study of their diseases, free medical checkup was also provided. 

Students who were detracted for further examination will be admitted to RIMS and JNIMS under the District Early Intervention Centre (DERC) for free medical check up.

The screening for children under 6 years of age will be conducted at their Anganwadi centres DMMU doctor and for Government school students from 6-18 years of age at their schools. The screening for new born babies will be conducted by the doctors of the hospitals where they are born for any sign of abnormalities. The doctors will also conduct a house call for those children who have not attended school yet.

The CMO further said that total number of children under 6 years for Thoubal District is 1.6 lac. He further said that preparation for screening for all the children below 6 years has been made by DHS Thoubal. He also appealed to the people of the district to help in order to live a healthy life.

In a meeting with the media, the District Nodal Officer, Doctor Y. Nokul has said that the 1st screening for Thoubal district was conducted at Khoirom junior High School, Yairipok, for Kakching block at Kakching Khunou Makha Leikai High School, for Lilong Block at Turel Ahanbi High Primary Madrasa and Haoreibi Yangbi Leikai Lower Primary Madrasa. The programme will be further conducted at other schools also said the District Nodal Officer.

The DPM (NRIM), Thoubal, Rishikesh Sharma and DPM (SSA), Thoubal Block, S. Sukumar also attended the departing of vehicles and the opening of the programme.

Child militancy a concern in Garo Hills

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/page/items/42472/child-militancy-a-concern-in-garo-hills

SHILLONG, Sept 2: The recent cases of minors and school boys getting embroiled in militancy in Garo Hills of Meghalaya have raised a lot of concerns for the people of the region.

While most say the trend is worrisome after it came to light many are of the opinion that the lure of the lucre is too hard for these youngsters to resist. And the numbers seem to be getting bigger and bigger every day.

Last week, a 14 year old boy was arrested in Guwahati as a part of the arms supply trade. He was a carrier of arms for the rag tag group of militants going by the name of Achik National Cooperative Army (ANCA). Yesterday, an 18 year old boy was arrested from his home when he came to deliver money for his boss. He belonged to Liberation of Achik Elite Force (LAEF) and was a widely known terror in the area where he belonged.

"Imagine, I saw this boy as a young child and sometimes carried him. Now he comes here brandishing a gun to our faces and demands money. Where has the morals gone", said one trader from Gokol. One resident who did not want to be named stated that it was easier for groups to use minors as the Juvenile Justice Board generally is very light in its sentences. "They always take a soft stand and the maximum punishment they get is a three year term in a Boys Home. How bad can that be", he asked? The Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) II government had recently called a meeting of MLAs to discuss the situation in Garo Hills. The team of MLAs decided to find the root cause of militancy in the region. They may not have to work too hard to find the reasons.

"Moral degradation has led to a lot of angst in the youth. There is now a huge identity crisis amongst the youth and they feel they can show their superiority through the barrel of a gun. This is something that even the Church is aware of and special sessions are now needed to be given to parents to keep their wards in check", said Pravin Bakshi, DC WGH, in a recent address to the youth of Tura. When asked as to why these young boys were not only embracing militancy and even posing for photographs with guns, SP NGH, JFK Marak said, "They are taking videos, photos and keeping them as they can then show off to their friends. It gives them an aura of awe amongst their own friends. When they then show money to their friends, ill earned but huge, some of whom face problems in food, the others too are drawn to it in the hope that they too will earn quickly".

A look at most of the arrests made point to youngsters between the ages of 16-22 being a major part of most arrests. Some of them have even earned dreaded reputation of ruthlessness.

"Easy money, social degradation, lack of a proper education system, poverty, under development, lack of parental guidance are all factors that have been leading these youths astray. Without a proper control on these factors, they will always turn to crime. Most of these boys are school dropouts and would hardly stand a chance at meaningful jobs", said Simseng Marak, a resident of Dainadubi, NGH.

"The lure of easy money has to be the biggest contributor to these youths getting into the trade of militancy. Groups come and recruit them after showing them the dream of earning lakhs in months and they just follow. Convincing someone more mature would take more time and they do not have a family to worry about", said another unnamed source in the police team.

One day consultation on POCSO by MACR

Impact TV

August 29

A one day state level consultation on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and Juvenile Justice System was held in the conference hall of the Manipur Voluntary Health Association at Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal. The consultation programme was organised by Manipur Alliance For Child Rights (MACR).

Convener of MACR K Pradipkumar spoke about the increasing cases of sexual violence on children and the need for police action to prevent these crime. He said victims of sexual violence can claim compensation from the government. Director, Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) Rakesh Meihoubam and Commandant of 1st Manipur Rifles Th Radhesyhyam also took part in the program.

Like · Comment

Consultation on POSCO Act & Juvenile Justice held

Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 30 2014 : A day-long State level consultation programme on Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act & Juvenile Justice System was organized by Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) at the conference hall of Manipur Voluntary Health Association (MVHA), Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, Imphal East on Friday.

While speaking on the topic 'An Overview on Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act 2012' as one of the Resource Persons, K Pradipkumar, convener of MACR asserted that one could file a complaint at a nearest police station against sexual assault on children and action can be taken up against the concerned police personnel, if he fails to register the complaint or a wrong report is registered under Section 22 (1) .

He informed the gathering that various sexual cases like penetrative sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault and sexual harassment can be registered under POSCO Act.

Th Radheshyam, Commandant, 1st Manipur Rifles, who was also present at the occasion spoke on the topic 'Role of Police in Juvenile Justice System'.

An open discussion on the theme 'POSCO Act & Juvenile Justice System' was also held during the consultation programme.

One day consultation programme held

Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2014 : A one day discussion session organised by the Manipur Alliance for child rights was held today at Manipur Voluntary Health Association conference hall.

In his speech, resource person Th Radheshyam, Commandant, First MR said that the law enforcers are, from time to time through various training schemes, being taught about the child related acts and rules of the constitution like Juvenile Justice Act 2000, Juvenile Justice Rules 2009 and Prevention of children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act.

The knowledge of these acts and rules being inserted only lately in the constitution, he added, would much time then is anticipated.

To adopt Criminal Justice System, the MR commandant added, the State requires law enforcement, Judiciary and Panel institute (Prison/Jail).

Moreover, to provide justice to children, according to Juvenile Act, establishment of Juvenile Police Unit, Juvenile Board/Child relief committee and Observation home or Children Homes are required.

According to section 75 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) rule 2009, uniform personnel arent allowed to pick up children charged with 'confilct with law'.

According to section 76 of the same rule, the child cannot be handcuffed, section 11(13) demands provision of basic amenities to the child by the.

The same is required to present the child before Juvenile Board within the span of 24 hours, Radheshyam added.

The law enforcers are further required to reform, protect and promote the spirits of the children thus caught.

These childrens (below 18 years of age) are not aware of the difference between what is right and what is wrong.

It the duty of the law enforcers, Radheshyam said, to decide what will be best for the child, whether to release him/her on bail or to place him/her under strict observation in observation home.

Speaking of the role of CWCS in Juvenile Justice system, Human Rihts Director Rakesh Meihoubam said that any orphan, whether abandoned or surrendered, are not permitted immediate adoption.

They are kept under observation for atleast two months until their biological parents are recovered.

MACR convenor K Pradip, presenting the key note address of the event, spoke on POCSO Act 2012 and its efficiency in Manipur.

The event was also attended by stakeholders from various parts of the State.

191 cases of crime against children reported

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2014 : Even though Manipur witnessed 191 cases of crime against children in the last two years, only two accused involved in a rape case were convicted.

According to a report compiled by the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) based on newspaper reports, Manipur witnessed 191 different cases of crimes against children between September 2012 and August 17 this year.

Of the 191 victims, 104 were girls while the remaining 87 were boys.

These crimes included 36 cases of sexual assault and 99 per cent of the victims of sexual assault cases were girls.

Child trafficking constituted 86 cases of crime against children.

Out of them, 67 children have been rescued while 11 children could not be traced till date.

Four children were freed after serving as child soldiers for some period.

In the meantime, it was suspected that two children were recruited as child soldiers.

Five children sustained injuries in different incidents of bomb explosion.

Kidnapping attempts were made on two children while five children were molested.

During the same period, 31 children have been subjected to physical assault.

191 cases of crime against children reported

Four children were killed while three others were murdered after being sexually assaulted.

One child died during communal clash.

Nine children reportedly committed suicide even as six newly born dead kids were abandoned at different places.

Talking with The Sangai Express, MACR convenor K Pradipkumar decried that rate of conviction in cases related to crime against children is dismally low whereas crimes against children have been rising at an alarming rate.

Counselling and rehabilitation of the victim children is far from satisfactory.

The State is unable to implement the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act effectively, Pradipkumar said.

Against 36 cases of sexual assault, two individuals involved in a rape case were convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Commando driver Yumnam William s/o Y Deben of Khagempalli Panthak and actor Thongam Arun s/o Th Jayenta of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after they were found guilty for gang raping a girl inside a restaurant.

Recording of statements of children who have been made victims of sexual assault either at police stations or other places by police personnel in uniform is not permissible according to the Juvenile Justice Act 2000, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Rule 2007 and POCSO Act 2012 .

With regard to some cases where the victims were summoned to police stations for taking their statements, some police officers told The Sangai Express that there are juvenile police units in every district of Manipur as per the provisions of JJ Act.

But all these units do not have adequate infrastructure.

Police personnel assigned to juvenile police units are sent to other unrelated duties too.

"It is against the law to summon rape victims, particularly children, to police stations for taking their statements and we are aware of it but we don't have vehicles to go to the victim's home or other places where the victim would find it convenient," said one police officer.

As such, the guardians/parents are requested to bring the victims to police stations for taking their statements, he added.

To effectively tackle crimes against children, systematic changes are required apart from equipping all juvenile police units with adequate infrastructure, said the police officer.

Quoting provisions of POCSO Act, Pradipkumar said that police should complete collection of evidence within 30 days after a crime against children has been committed.

Trial of such cases must be completed within a year.

Hospitals should admit and treat victims without waiting for registration of FIR, he added.

AMSU wails teachers’ irregularity in Jiribam school

http://ifp.co.in/page/items/22435/amsu-wails-teachers-irregularity-in-jiribam-school

JIRIBAM, August 3: The AMSU unit of the Jiribam Higher Secondary School held a press meet at the office of AMSU District Committee, Jiribam today.

Addressing the media, president of the unit Kh Tiken Meitei complained that although the 2014 academic session is already midway, the teachers have covered only two-three chapters in all subjects.

He said there are 40 teachers in the school, but on most days, not more than 20 teachers attend the school.

It is hard to believe that the teachers would be able to cover the whole syllabus before the end of the session, he said before adding that it would only harm the students.

So, the AMSU unit of the school is appealing to the irregular teachers to be regular and try to complete the syllabus of their subjects in time before the exams, he said.

In case the teachers fail to do so, the teachers would be held accountable for any outcomes during the time of examination, he continued.

Meanwhile, general secretary Jealoungam Rongmei expressed before the media that the punctualities of teachers’ attendance in accordance to the school timing is also very low.

They come according to their own timings, he said before declaring that such teachers who couldn’t even understand the importance of punctuality have no rights to enter the school.

The student leader further continued that there are also many shortcomings in the school.

He elaborated that during the time of admission, students are charged magazine fees, games and sports fees, library fees among others, however, such facilities are not provided in the school.

In the absence of rehabilitation measures Comback routes almost sealed for child soldiers

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/page/items/40730/in-the-absence-of-rehabilitation-measures-comback-routes-almost-sealed-for-child-soldiers

IMPHAL, Jul 11: Of the many unlawful activities com-mitted by juveniles in Chura- chandpur district, donning the role of child soldier is the most common. The issue has been compounded by the absence of any State funded rehabilitation and social re-integration programmes.

Members of the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) and some media persons from Imphal visited Churachandpur district headquarters today to take stock of Government initiatives on rehabilitation of child soldiers, if there is any.

The team visited the district’s observation home and met the Superintendent and Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

From 2007 till date, there were/are 287 children in the observation home funded by the Health Integrated Ministry of the Ministry of Women and Child.

Of the 287 children, 90 per cent were kept in the observation home after their stints as child soldiers, said Superintendent Nicky Thanga.

The children were kept in the observation home awaiting confirmation whether they are guilty or not after they are produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.

If any of them is found guilty, they should be transferred to a special home.

Most of the child soldiers who have come back joined different UG groups driven by their fascination for guns and a wrong notion that wielding a gun is more respectable in the society. As such, they were sent back from the home after giving proper counselling.

Many of these children joined UG groups because of family problems.

As of now, no Government measures could be seen in Churachandpur for rehabilitation and social re-integration of former child soldiers. Because of these lapses, there is a big drawback in all the efforts to bring back the former child soldiers to mainstream., said Nicky Thanga.

CWC Chairperson Daniel Gangte noted that former child soldiers are one of the many groups of children who need protection and guidance.

Altogether 17 UG groups affiliated to KNO operate in Churachandpur while two groups affiliated to UPF are also present in the district.

When the CWC reached out to these SoO signatory UG groups, many children were found serving as child soldiers, Nicky Thanga said. However, neither UPF nor KNO has officially accepted presence of child soldiers in their midst. The number of child soldiers arrested by security forces and referred to the CWC is only three so far.

Most of the child soldiers after counselling wish to return to the mainstream. But the Government has no arrangements for their rehabili- tation. If the children’s conditions who have left UG groups could not be improv-ed, there is strong possibility of the children taking up arms again. But the CWC has no capacity to rehabilitate such former child soldiers thereby landing tyhe the CWC in a fix.

However, children homes of Churachandpur district have been benefited from the Integrated Child Protection Scheme but the provision of sponsorship guaranteed by the scheme is yet to be implemented.

MACR convenor Pradip said that the issue of child soldier is not unique to Churachandpur district but common to all the districts of Manipur. Again, whatever provisions the Government made for cadres of SoO signatory UG groups are not inclusive of the child soldiers, he added.