Leave ‘em alone
The Maoists, in contravention of universal human rights and international instruments, had abducted, indoctrinated and recruited hundreds of child soldiers to fight their protracted war. Though this worst form of child abuse has gone down considerably, it hasn’t been wiped out. This is unacceptable in the changed political milieu. The UN, in a report, has confirmed the recruitment of 155 children and 23 large-scale abductions by the Maoists even after the declaration of ceasefire in April 2006. As this goes against the spirit of the peace process, the Maoists would do well to make amends and, in the process, try to gain some political credibility.
Not only the Maoists, political parties of almost all hues have involved school children in rallies and other political activities. Innocent kids taking part in rallies braving early morning chill are a common sight. But worst is the plight of those exploited by the rebels themselves. Once booked under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Ordinance, a saga of ill-treatment and torture by the security forces follows. Apart from physical deprivation, these children may remain traumatised for the rest of their lives. To guarantee their all-round development, everybody will have to recognise school as a zone of peace. Perhaps, the promulgation of stringent laws could facilitate this. But most importantly, the Maoists, political outfits, mafias and traffickers will have to leave children, and their seats of learning, alone.