Imphal, Dec 28: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has issued a formal notice to the Tengnoupal district administration following a bomb explosion that critically injured three children while they were playing in their village.
The incident occurred on December 20 at Molnoi Kuki Village under the jurisdiction of Pallel Police Station. The children — Linus Hemgou Hou Baite (10), Alex Jamgubsei Baite (8) and Ngamgunmang Haokip (8) — reportedly came into contact with an explosive device. All three are currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a private hospital.
MCPCR chairperson Keisam Pradipkumar termed the incident a “serious violation” of the children’s constitutional right to life and safety. In the notice addressed to Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Yadav, the commission expressed grave concern over the presence of unsecured arms and explosive remnants in civilian areas, stating that such conditions have turned villages into unsafe spaces for children.
The commission directed the district administration to take immediate remedial measures, including bearing the entire cost of medical treatment — from ICU care to post-hospital rehabilitation — and ensuring that the affected families are issued health cards to avail benefits under government schemes, including Ayushman Bharat.
Authorities have also been instructed to enrol the children under the Mission Vatsalya sponsorship scheme to ensure long-term financial assistance and psychological support.
Invoking its statutory powers under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the MCPCR said the incident amounted to violations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
The deputy commissioner has been asked to submit an action-taken report within 15 days. Stressing the urgency of the matter, the commission said children in the region are increasingly becoming “innocent victims of a prolonged and insecure environment.”
