The MCPCR observed that is they were all legally bound to follow laws and norms while discharging their duties, and certain protocols relating to children could not be bypassed while dealing with such crucial situations where children are found with the accused
TFM Desk
The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has initiated a suo motu action regarding a high drama that unfolded during an aborted and unsuccessful attempt by a team of the Manipur Police to arrest Moirangthem Tomtomsana @ Nongsaba of Heirok village on 26/06/2024 along the stretch from Imphal airport to Keishampat on Tiddim Road, Imphal West.
It has sought a detailed factual report of the incident within 5 (five) days from the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, Manipur and the Director (Social Welfare), Manipur. A letter has been shot off by Member Secretary MCPCR Regina Hongray to them in this regard. A copy of the letter was sent to the Chairperson, NCPCR, New Delhi , the Director General of Police, Manipur and the Commissioner (Social Welfare), Government of Manipur.
According to the MCPCR, video clips of the incident were uploaded on various social media platforms and reports were published in local print and electronic media as well.
While acknowledging the challenges encountered by police personnel conducting the operation i.e., to intercept and apprehend of an accused who was found accompanied by his children, the MCPCR observed that is they were all legally bound to follow laws and norms while discharging their duties, and certain protocols relating to children could not be bypassed while dealing with such crucial situations where children are found with the accused.
As per the MCPCR, A fierce scuffle broke out between Tomtomsana @ Nongsaba of Heirok village with a team of police who were bringing him in a vehicle from Imphal airport. The minor daughter and minor son of the above person were seen running amid the crowded traffic while crying for the safe release of their father and got momentary fainting as a result of the violent scene they witnessed, it said.
The MCPCR is a statutory body empowered by the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act (CPCR Act), 2005 to monitor the entitlement to rights and safeguard for children provided in the Constitution and laws of the country and u/s 13 1 (j) to enquire into complaints and take suo motu notice of matter relating to deprivation and violation of child rights; non-implementation of laws providing for protection and development of children and non-compliance of policy decisions, guidelines or instructions aimed at mitigating hardships to and ensuring welfare of the children and to provide relief to such children.