'Need exemplary punishments for crimes against children'

IMPHAL: Cases of atrocities on minor girls, such as gang rapes and molestations, are shocking and exemplary punishment should be meted out to the culprits involved in these crimes, Manipur governor Najma Heptulla said on Tuesday. Speaking at the 8th foundation day of Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights here, Heptulla maintained that children have the same rights as adults.

"A child is an individual and also an important family and community member with rights and responsibilities. Children should not be deprived of their basic rights," she said, adding that children, irrespective of their gender and age, are unique and have a value importance as a person.

"The right for their human dignity should be respected. When we understand and respect children's dignity, we are able to create better protection mechanisms and the children themselves can act as active agents in their own protection," added Heptulla.

Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen said the healthy development of children is crucial for the future well-being of any society. Children are more vulnerable than adults, especially to poor living conditions such as poverty, inadequate health care, nutrition, safe water, housing and environmental pollution, she added. The minister further said that the effects of diseases, malnutrition and poverty threaten the future of children and the future of the societies they live in.

According to social research findings, the experiences of children significantly influence their future development, Nemcha said and added that the course of their development determines their contribution, or cost, to society over the course of their lives. She appealed to everyone concerned to join hands to nurture children and help protect their rights.

On the occasion, six selected children from child care institutions of Imphal West and Imphal East districts, who have excelled in educational and co-curricular activities, were distributed citation and cash awards.