The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has expressed serious concern over the alleged physical assault and cruelty inflicted on a seven-year-old girl studying at a school in Imphal East, reportedly by her stepmother.
The Commission said that, if established, the alleged assault would constitute a serious violation of the child’s rights to safety, dignity, care and protection.
MCPCR appreciated the school authorities for detecting the child’s injuries and ensuring medical attention. It also acknowledged the prompt intervention of the concerned AAM UPHC, which alerted Childline, leading to intervention by child-protection authorities and police.
The child was subsequently rescued through coordinated intervention by the District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee and police, with necessary medical care arranged.
The Commission has directed the concerned Police Department to conduct a thorough and time-bound investigation and submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days of receiving its notice.
MCPCR reiterated that every child has the right to grow in a safe, caring and violence-free environment and urged parents, caregivers, schools and child-protection functionaries to promptly report suspected cases of abuse or cruelty.