National child rights panel objects to use of children in Haldwani protests

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has raised objections to the alleged use of minor children in protest at Haldwani following Uttarakhand high court order of “clearing the constructions built on Railways land”. However, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the high court ruling. The top court has posted the matter for further hearing on February 7.

The apex child rights body has written a letter to the Nainital District Magistrate raising its concerns over the presence of children in the protests which have been highlighted across the new media.

On December 20, the HC ordered the removal of “encroachment” from Railways land following which authorities carried out a survey of “illegal” structures that have to be demolished. This has triggered massive protests by the residents, who are mostly Muslims, in Banbhoolpura area in Haldwani.

The NCPCR has referred to a slew of social media platforms, where children are seen sitting in the protest with banners in their hands. The commission said. “It is pertinent to mention that children of tender age have been brought to the protest site in these adverse weather conditions which can prove to be dangerous for their health and wellbeing.”

The child rights body said it deemed it appropriate to take cognisance of the complaint as using minor children in “illegal protests” was a violation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, reported PTI. “The commission thereby requests your good offices to look into the matter and have a thorough inquiry of the events. Besides, the children which are being used in this illegal protest should be identified and produced before the Child Welfare Committee, if required for ensuring their protection,” it added.

The panel also suggested that the children should be counselled appropriately. “In this context, it is pertinent to mention here that the Commission on earlier occasion has observed that use of children in such illegal protest has resulted in injury and even caused death of minor children in one of the protests,” the commission said.

-INDIA NEWS STREAM