Kathmandu, December 23 Central Child Welfare Board today said use of children in protest activities is a very serious issue. Issuing a press statement, it said six children were killed during protests across the country in the month of Shrawan (mid-July) alone. “Increasing use of children in protest activities is worrying. This should be condemned,” it said. The statement said the death of tenth-grader Seikh Tabarej Alam during protests in Gaur, the district headquarters of Rautahat, on December 20, was shocking. All concerned such as parents, schools and protesting groups should avoid using children in protest activities, it said. It further said the Madhes protest, which was taking a violent turn, is an issue of serious concern. The CCWB and its working committees in various parts of the country have been working to ensure that child rights are not violated on any pretext. The United Democratic Madhesi Front had set the Sarlahi-based office of District Child Welfare Committee on fire on December 21. “Attack on the district office of CCWB will not ensure the rights of agitating groups,” it said. CCWB also urged the local administration to take action against those found using children in protest activities.