The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has directed the Imphal West Police to make necessary arrangements to facilitate the attendance of two minor children at the last rites and related rituals of their deceased mother.
The direction was issued by the Chairman of the Commission following a prayer submitted by relatives of late Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba and the Convenor of the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the alleged unnatural death of the woman. The prayer sought official facilitation to enable the minor children to attend their mother’s funeral and subsequent rituals.
The children, Master Khaidem Langamba Meitei and Baby Khaidem Jennifer, are the son and daughter of late Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba, wife of Khaidem Nareshor of Khaidem village under Wangoi Police Station.
According to the Commission, the last rites are scheduled to be performed on January 13, 2026, at the parental family’s crematorium at Siphai under Wangoi Police Station, in accordance with prevailing religious customs.
Clarifying its position, the Commission stated that the order is purely facilitative in nature and does not pertain to custody issues or express any opinion on matters currently under investigation. It maintained that attending the last rites and death-related rituals of a deceased parent is an inalienable right of the children.
Exercising its powers under Section 13 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the Commission directed the concerned police authorities to ensure adequate security and facilitation so that the minor children are able to safely attend and participate in the funeral, Asti Sanchay and Shraddha rituals of their mother without any obstruction. The order is to be complied with immediately and on the respective dates of the rituals.