Mass awareness rally by Social Welfare Department calls for safe childhood

Children of Manipur demand a safe childhood. The Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur organised a mass awareness rally against sexual violence of children today. Students of various schools, inmates of Child Care Institutions under the Department, members and volunteers of Associations and NGOs working for the welfare of children took part in the rally holding various placards, some of which read "Stop Child Abuse", "Let the Child be Safe, Free and Alive", "Save Soul Save Child", "Children Aren’t Toys" etc.

Flagging off the rally held on ​"Save The Children: Save The Children" theme from the Western Gate of DM College, Additional Chief Secretary of Social Welfare Department P.Vaiphei expressed apprehension over the rising cases of violence against women and children in recent years in spite of the existing stringent laws against perpetrators. He said that abuse of internet and mobile phones is one of the reasons for the rise in such crimes. He added that child sexual abusers are mostly found to be acquaintances rather than complete strangers. Asserting that abused children suffer from deep mental agony, P. Vaiphei appealed for concerted efforts to stop the barbaric acts of abusing children. He urged the public to let children experience a happy and fulfilling childhood and not traumas.

Social Welfare Department Director Ng. Uttam and Department officials took part in the rally which passed through Imphal City, calling to protect children. It may be mentioned that there are over 150 cases related to the POCSO Act in Manipur since last year till date.