Kathmandu, February 3:

The Kathmandu valley has recorded the highest number of missing children in the country since December 8, the National Centre for Children at Risk says.

The centre was set up to forge coordination with police stations in 75 districts to keep record of missing children in the country. At least 348 children were reported missing in the country since December 8.

A total of 257 children went missing in the valley, of which 157 children were found. Eighty children, who were reported missing elsewhere, were found in the valley. Sixty-two of them were handed over to guardians, while 18 are living in shelter homes.

In the eastern region, eight out of 31 missing children were found. Out of 26 children reported missing in the central region, six were found later. Though 27 children were reported missing in the Mid-Western region and Western region, only six were found. The Far-Western region recorded seven missing and none was found. Deepak Raj Sapkota, executive director of the Central Child Welfare Board (CCWB), said the centre would study trend for at least three months and then work to bring out mechanism to trace the children.

Sapkota said, “As the number of missing children outnumbers those found, there is a high possibility that guardians might not have informed the police after they found their missing children. We have to analyse the trend through before drawing any conclusion.”

The NCCR is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, CCWB, Nepal Police, Development partners, non-government organisations and the media.