Rising Child suicides in Manipur: MCPCR urges immediate notification of State Child Policy

The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has raised an urgent alarm over the increasing cases of suicide among children and adolescents in the state, particularly in the Bishnupur district, where three child suicides have been reported in the past two months.
The Commission expressed deep concern that the absence of a comprehensive State Policy for Children, supported by a structured State Plan of Action, is leaving critical child rights issues unaddressed. Of particular concern is the pending notification of the Draft Manipur State Policy for Children, which was first circulated for public feedback in 2020 and later revised in March 2025. Despite these efforts, the policy has yet to receive formal government approval.
According to the MCPCR, this lack of a statutory framework is exposing children—especially internally displaced persons (IDPs), children from marginalized groups, and those affected by COVID-19, ongoing ethnic conflict, and economic hardship—to severe mental health risks.
Recent Cases Highlight Growing Crisis in July 2025 a 13-year-old boy from Salton Village was found dead at his school’s boarding facility. August 6, 2025 a 15-year-old boy from Moirang Khoiru Makha Leikai was discovered hanging at his residence. August 23, 2025 a Class IX girl from Thamnapokpi died in a suspected suicide case, reportedly linked to cyberbullying.
These tragic incidents point to a disturbing trend of youth mental health crises in the state and have prompted MCPCR to issue a strong call for immediate, coordinated action from all relevant departments and agencies.
MCPCR recommendations Cyber Crime Police: Enhance capabilities to detect and prevent cyberbullying and online exploitation. Education Department: Incorporate cyber safety and life skills education into school curricula. RIMS and JNIMS Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology Departments: Deliver evidence-based psychosocial support to vulnerable children and families.
Social Welfare Department expedite the notification of the State Child Policy without further delay. All Stakeholders: Collaborate to address the root causes of distress and implement holistic prevention measures.
MCPCR Chairperson Keisam Pradipkumar emphasized that the protection of children’s lives, mental health, and rights is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative. He reiterated the Commission’s urgent call to the Government of Manipur to notify the State Child Policy immediately.
“We must act now. Every day of delay risks more young lives,” said Pradipkumar.