Crime against Children on the rise in Meghalaya; How to tackle this menace?

By Daphilabet Buhphang, TNT News | SHILLONG, Dec 10, 2017:

"All of us, to whatever religion we may belong, are equally the children of India with equal rights, privileges and obligations" said Jawaharlal Nehru.

Who are children? Those below 18 years of age are considered to be children. The ages when they are still at the point of learning, growing and dreaming about what they want to be in life. They are innocently ambitious of their dreams and hopes. But it is sad to say that there are many children who have stopped dreaming and hoping because of a dreadful event that happened in their lives.

Shillong, which was once known to be the safest place, is no longer safe anymore.  The age of 18 years and below are children who still needs to go out into the world and discover their dreams and aspirations but with an environment where a child has to face cruelty of different kinds, how can children be free to discover what they want in life.

Yes, the government is doing its best to curtail crime against children but maybe that is not enough. With society growing in all aspects, steps and methods to ensure safety and security of its citizens too have to be in accordance with the growing society.

Crime against children includes physical and emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment. It is sad to notice that people of Meghalaya are no alien to this crime.

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According to the 2016-2017 report of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, 42 cases of crime against children have been registered which mostly includes rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, child labour, murder and others.

But again! what about the cases not known to authorities? What can be done about them?

It would be a shame if the number of complaints increases in the next report. Though it is easier said than done, but with the collective stand of all concerned authorities along with the Government, it is very much possible to eradicate crime against children.

Every parent wants to give their child a normal childhood but how can they when they hear about a mother who lets her child into world, finds them not in happiness but in devastation and despair.

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(The writer can be reached at daphi199323@gmail.com)