Children as Target

by by Lena Phanjoubam
The rates of crimes are increasing day by day.
Everyday we come to hear and witness various sorts of crimes being committed-from TV, Radio, Newspaper- murder, rape, human trafficking, abuse, shoot outs-you name it!!.
On the one hand Government are taking up various plans, projects and schemes for the development and upgradation of our society, while on the other hand various sorts of crimes are being committed by perverts, criminals and such-even more so on women and children-the vulnerable lots. People had hoped that all sorts of misfortunes and disasters will be taken along the year 2009 and the coming year 2010 will bring peace and a new ray of hope. But, this is not so.
The New Year has barely started, all sorts of crimes are being witnessed. Like the cases of the recovering of the lifeless bodies of newly born infants-a lifeless body of a baby boy from Thoubal, and in another case-the finding of the dead bodies of two newly born baby girls from Tera Likram Leirak, yet again another lifeless body of a newly born infant found from the Lamphel supermarket, gender unknown as it lower half of its body was found missing (the deeds of some stray dogs). Such heinous crimes those heartless mothers who knew no love or pain –(only for pleasures or some monetary gains or whatever)-having no heart and soul, otherwise who would killed and discard away their own blood so mercilessly without any feeling. For such mothers, life seems only a game. Even animal are far better than them, for they knew how to love, care and protect their kids.
Then, there is the case of S. Sangeeta (34) who was found hanged at the courtyard of her residence. The reason- torture and ill treatment by her husband and his second wife. Which woman would deceit and desertion by her husband, her mentor who had promised to protect and cherish her throughout life, for in our society every married woman viewed their husband as their god, their protector, and if that protection turns against her, ignore her opt for another woman, then who would bear it.  
Then there is the case of rape and murder of a mother and her teenage daughter, who were found brutally raped and murdered by some unknown perverts. Akam ongbi Chanbi Devi (35) a widow and her eldest daughter Memcha (16) a student of class IX, were found abandoned some 800 meters away form their home at Pahyeng. Till date, who were behind these unthinkable crimes, remains unknown. Chandbi Devi had left behind three more children, two girls and a son. These poor children!! Ex-gratia may be given to them-even their education may be sponsored but there will remain a huge gap in their lives- the love, caring attitude, nurture, affection of their beloved mother-no one can substitute her or the love of their elder sister.
And, yet in another case, another woman, R.K Ratanmala (26) was also found raped and murdered by her boyfriend, a married man with children, at least in this case, the man surrendered himself to the police. An irate mob burnt down his house, and in the process some other adjacent houses were also burnt down, accidentally. But is the justice being duly delivered? Only time will tell.
Another issue which is still prevalent in our society is the issue of human trafficking, mostly women and children. In spite of various preventive measures and precautions, the crime or the act of trafficking is still going on in last month, there is the case of the rescuing of 76 children (54 from Manipur) who were found trafficked from Manipur to and Assam. They were rescued by the child welfare committee of Tamil Nadu. It is their good fortune amidst their misfortune that they were found and rescued in time, otherwise what would have become of them, the answer is unthinkable.
And in this month, another 3 children from the state who were trafficked to Chennai were rescued by the combined team of the CWC, Tamil Nadu and Manipur.
It seems that the preventive/precautionary measures being taken up by the Government, and other organisation is not adequate enough, otherwise why is such crime happening time and again.
The rate of crimes and conflicts are on the rise everyday. How, why, by whom? Questions everywhere. And there is no one who is capable of giving any satisfying answers. There is lack of awareness among the masses, lack of co-operation and co-ordination. Everyone is blaming everyone else, the Govt., the NGOs, the Human Rights and Child Rights Activists. No one is ready to accept the blame or to step forth. 
If this thing continues, how do we expect to solve the issues? Someone has to be bold enough to come forward, take the lead, awake the sleeping masses. Instead of waiting for someone or the other to solve the matter, we need to take it as our responsibilities. Let the government do their duties from their side. We the public also needs to extend our helping hand.
NGOs, organizations, Human Rights Activist needs to join hands, have proper network, co-ordination and work together for the cause.
Doctors and staffs of the psychiatric department needs to come out of their respective clinics and hospitals give mass awareness and counseling-for many crimes are born of a pervert mind, of a mentally disturbed mind.
Police can also do their level best to look for clues, investigate the crimes through ever nook and corner and book the culprit. They can also be on the alert to prevent any sort of crimes.
Above all, parents and teachers should educate their wards on sex education, moral values, rules, and regulations, cultures and norms of our society. So that they grow into a well cultured and well behaved persons.