Imphal, Apr 18 (PTI) The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights has appealed to the people not to involve minors in protests, as their participation in demonstrations is inappropriate to their age.
In a statement titled “statutory advisories”, the panel said it has taken suo motu cognisance of an incident in which a pre-nursery student below four years of age was injured during a protest in Singjamei Kakwa Ashem area on Thursday night.
Thousands of people defied prohibitory orders in Imphal West district and took out a torch rally on April 16 to protest the recent bomb attack in which two children were killed, triggering clashes with security forces.
The injured child did not take part in the demonstration, but he was near the protest site, close to his residence, the commission said.
It appealed to the public “not to involve children in protests inappropriate to their age…nor expose them to vulnerable situations that may lead to violence, harm, intimidation, or psychological trauma”.
The advisories were issued after several children were seen taking part in protests in Imphal area after the bomb attack.
The commission also urged all authorities concerned to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with democratic and non-violent public protests, particularly in residential localities.
The panel also said that indiscriminate use of force, damage to property, and creation of panic and fear, especially among children, must be strictly avoided, and all actions shall be proportionate and in strict adherence to established protocols, ensuring the safety and best interests of children. PTI CORR BDC
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