The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu cognizance of a tear gas injury to a child under four years in Singjamei, issuing advisories to authorities and the public on child safety amid unrest.
IMPHAL – The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), in exercise of its powers under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, has taken suo motu cognizance of the injury caused to a pre-nursery student below four years of age at Singjamei Kakwa Ashem Leikai. The child, who was not participating in any protest rally and remained near his residence, was injured due to tear gas shelling in a residential area, allegedly involving indiscriminate use of force by combined security forces on the night of April 16, 2026.
This is not the first instance of the MCPCR taking suo motu cognizance of incidents involving child rights violations in the state. Earlier, the Commission had taken cognizance of:
- The alleged sexual assault and murder of a minor internally displaced girl, whose body was recovered beneath Singjamei Bridge, Imphal East; and
- The killing of two minor children in a rocket bomb attack while asleep at Tronglaobi village, Bishnupur district.
The Commission has conducted spot inquiries into both the aforementioned incidents.
The Commission observed that these incidents prima facie disclose grave violations of child rights, including threats to the right to life, safety, and dignity of children, and raise serious concerns regarding protection failures and the use of excessive force in civilian areas. The Commission has affirmed that it shall maintain strict monitoring of all such matters until due process is completed and justice is ensured.
The Commission strongly urges all concerned authorities to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with democratic and non-violent public protests, particularly in residential localities. Indiscriminate use of force — including tear gas shelling resulting in injury to civilians, damage to property, and the creation of panic and fear, especially among children — must be strictly avoided. All actions shall be proportionate and in strict adherence to established protocols, ensuring the safety and best interests of children at all times.
The Commission also appeals to the public not to involve young minor children in protests that are inappropriate to their age and level of comprehension, and not to expose them to situations that may lead to violence, harm, intimidation, or psychological trauma. The protection and well-being of children shall remain paramount at all times.
