The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has appealed to authorities to cease the use of tear gas and mock bombs near school premises. This plea follows a distressing incident at Akampat, where the use of such crowd control measures during a protest impacted nearby schools, causing health issues among students.
On a recent day, a protest by internally displaced persons in the Akampat area escalated, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas. The Eastern Ideal High School and CSM School, located in close proximity to the protest site, were significantly affected by the tear gas. Reports indicate that the gas infiltrated the school premises, leading to several students experiencing fainting spells and requiring hospitalization.
Keisampradip Kumar, the Chairperson of the MCPCR, expressed deep concern over the incident. He highlighted the potential health risks and psychological trauma that such actions can inflict on young students. Kumar urged the authorities to adopt alternative measures for crowd control that do not compromise the safety and well-being of children.
The immediate health impacts observed included respiratory distress, nausea, and fainting among the affected students. Medical professionals attending to the students emphasized the potential long-term effects of tear gas exposure, especially on children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to chemical agents.
This incident has brought to light the broader issue of the use of force in areas with civilian and particularly child populations. The MCPCR’s intervention underscores the need for a balanced approach to maintaining law and order without endangering non-participating civilians, particularly schoolchildren.
Parents and educators have voiced their concerns regarding the safety of their children in the wake of this incident. There is a growing demand for reassurances and concrete measures from the authorities to prevent recurrence. The educational disruption caused by such events is another critical issue, as it hampers the learning environment and adds to the psychological stress of students.
The MCPCR’s appeal is a crucial step towards ensuring that the safety of children is prioritized during public demonstrations and law enforcement actions. The commission’s call for restraint in using tear gas and mock bombs near schools aims to safeguard the health and well-being of students while maintaining public order. Authorities are urged to consider these recommendations seriously to prevent similar incidents in the future.
