By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 2: The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) is receiving regular updates from the police on the investigation into the recent disappearance and death of a minor in East Khasi Hills.
MSCPCR Chairperson Agatha Sangma said the police have been probing such cases involving minors, but expressed her inability to provide details.
The Commission had earlier voiced deep sorrow and grave concern following the back-to-back deaths of a seven-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, whose bodies were recovered hours apart in Nongrah. The incidents have heightened anxiety among residents and child rights groups.
While the case of the 4-year-old girl has been solved, the investigation into the disappearance and death of the seven-year-old boy is ongoing.
Alarmed by the rising number of missing children cases across Meghalaya, the MSCPCR said it viewed the trend with utmost seriousness.
The Commission referred the matter to the police and sought a thorough, time-bound investigation. It also underlined the urgency of identifying those responsible for the minors’ deaths and ensuring they are brought to justice without delay.
Concern over reports of children being used to sell drugs
Sangma voiced serious concern over emerging reports that children are being used to sell drugs in certain parts of Shillong. The Commission has decided to examine the issue after recent government confirmations and alarming disclosures from officials involved in narcotics control.
Sangma said she agreed with West Shillong MLA and Social Welfare Department Adviser Paul Lyngdoh’s assessment based on “data and research”.
She said the Commission also witnessed incidents where children first became addicts and were subsequently used as peddlers. She described the trend as deeply concerning and said the Commission intends to examine the matter.
On the broader issue of substance abuse among children on the streets, she said the DREAM project is taking the lead. She explained that the Commission is not directly investigating substance abuse cases but is collaborating with the DREAM project, offering support whenever required.
According to her, the DREAM mission is looking at the problem holistically.
The Meghalaya government had last month confirmed reports that children are being used to sell drugs in some areas of Shillong. Lyngdoh had revealed this after a meeting with senior officials of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), where he indicated that there were disturbing reports of children being used to sell drugs in Mawlai.
He had stressed the need for close coordination between the Meghalaya Police, the ANTF, and local communities to address the growing drug menace.
Lyngdoh had also pointed out the inadequate number of Village Defence Parties (VDPs) in the capital. Shillong, with a population of nearly 6 lakh, has only 12 VDPs. He said that Mawlai is among the identified drug hotspots and noted that every district in the state has been affected by the narcotics problem.
