By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 10: The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over the disappearance and subsequent death of two minors in quick succession.
The body of a 13-year-old girl was found hours after that of a seven-year-old boy from Nongrah in the East Khasi Hills district was recovered on Thursday.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the Commission said it stands in solidarity with the family of the two victims during this time of immense grief and loss.
Alarmed by the rising number of missing children cases across the state, the Commission said it views this disturbing trend with utmost seriousness. It stated that the model standard operating procedures for tracing missing or kidnapped children have been submitted to the state government for urgent implementation to ensure timely and effective intervention in such incidents.
The Commission has entrusted the matter to the police and sought a thorough, time-bound investigation. It stressed the need to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the minors’ deaths without delay.
Reaffirming its commitment to child safety, the Commission said it will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, government departments, and other stakeholders to strengthen mechanisms that protect the rights and well-being of children in Meghalaya.
Former Health and Law Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has expressed deep anguish over the recent spate of crimes against children in Meghalaya, calling it a “distressing time for mothers” and urging swift and stringent action against perpetrators.
“One incident happening after another is bad. Cases occur, get forgotten, and then another incident comes up. We have to ensure that cases filed are quickly disposed of and the people are reassured that the perpetrators are dealt with stringently,” she said.
Lyngdoh said that justice delayed only compounds the trauma of the victims’ families. “It is more pathetic when a victim’s family doesn’t find justice. Beyond expressing grief, we must review how our legal aid system is working. How do we ensure that the most underprivileged or illiterate citizens have access to justice? We have to take cognisance of these growing crimes against children,” she said.
She lamented that the families of such victims seldom found justice in the past.
The former minister emphasised the need for collective responsibility, beginning with the government. She stated that the government must ensure criminals are dealt with swiftly and strictly.
The Shillong Christian Youth Organisation and Conference also expressed grave concern over the death of seven-year-old Kyrshanbor Kharmudai under mysterious circumstances.
“This horrific incident has shaken the conscience of the entire society, causing deep grief and anger. We condemn the brutal murder of the innocent child and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in their darkest hour,” a spokesperson of the organisation said.
The organisation also condemned the death of Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai of Nongrah on September 14.
