A Community-Led Initiative for Child Protection in Manipur
In the heart of Manipur, the northeastern state of India, a significant step towards child protection was taken as various local organizations and government bodies collaborated to organize a one-day awareness programme on Child Protection, Child Marriage, and Child Trafficking.
Collaborative Efforts for a Common Cause
The event, held at the Hiyanglam Makha Leikai Community Hall on December 24, 2025, was jointly organized by the District Child Protection Unit, Kakching, and four Village Level Federations: Punshi Lamjing Meira VLF, Lingjeithoibi VLF, Loyangambi VLF, and Kanglei Chanu VLF. The District Administration, Kakching, provided supervision for the programme.
Key Dignitaries and Resource Persons
Eminent personalities such as Elangbam Rajen, founder president of SEDO Hiyanglam, Gajoo Rajkumari, District Child Protection Officer, Kakching, Inspector Karam Budhachandra Khuman, Officer-in-Charge of Hiyanglam Police Station, Khumukcham Lemba, Panchayat Secretary of CMPO Hiyanglam Gram Panchayat, and Rajeev Ningthoujam, Block Mission Manager of Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Kakching district, graced the occasion as dignitaries.
Darngam Khaling, Member of the Child Welfare Committee, Tengnoupal; Robindro Maibam, LPO of the District Child Protection Unit, Kakching; and Mala Lisham, Programme Officer of the State Child Protection Society, attended the event as resource persons.
The Importance of Awareness and Collaboration
Such initiatives are crucial, not just in Manipur, but across India, as they aim to empower communities with the knowledge and resources needed to protect their children from various forms of exploitation and abuse.
In the broader Indian context, child protection remains a pressing concern, with incidents of child marriage, trafficking, and abuse continuing to occur. By fostering collaboration between government bodies and local organizations, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to child protection.
A Stepping Stone Towards a Safer Future
The success of this programme in Kakching serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for community-led initiatives to make a tangible difference in the lives of children. As we move forward, it is essential to build upon these successes and continue to prioritize child protection in our communities.