‘Reflect before sharing’: Manipur panel cracks down on child victim images

Imphal, Apr 11: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has issued a statutory notice taking suo motu cognisance of the circulation of graphic images, videos, and identifying details of child victims in recent incidents in the state.

In a notice dated April 10, the Commission expressed serious concern over the dissemination of content related to the two minor children who were killed in the April 7 Tronglaobi incident in Bishnupur, as well as a minor internally displaced girl whose body was recovered from beneath Singjamei Bridge on April 6.

The Commission stated that the publication and circulation of such material in an undignified manner constitute a gross violation of child rights, dignity, and privacy, and are punishable under various legal provisions.

Terming such acts as “secondary victimisation” and a serious breach of ethical and legal standards, the MCPCR directed all individuals, social media users, and media platforms to immediately remove such content and refrain from further circulation of any material that reveals the identity or depicts the victims in an undignified manner.

Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) chairman, Kelsam Pradipkumar. (AT Photo)

Following the issuance of a statutory notice, Chairman of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), Kelsam Pradipkumar, spoke on the rationale behind the move and the steps taken so far. Excerpts from an interview…

The Assam Tribune (AT): The Commission has taken suo motu cognisance regarding circulation of graphic content of child victims. What steps have been taken so far?

Pradipkumar: The suo motu cognisance was necessitated due to the flooding of images, videos, and photographs of the minors killed in Tronglaobi on April 7, as well as a minor girl whose body was recovered on April 6 after a heinous crime. These are deeply traumatic incidents, and we observed that certain social media handlers and digital platforms were not following established ethical norms and legal provisions.

AT: Which laws are being violated in such cases?

Pradipkumar: Such acts violate guidelines of the Press Council of India, provisions under the POCSO Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and other criminal laws. We must protect children at all times; whether alive, injured, or even after death. A dead body also has dignity, and its misuse is unacceptable.

AT: Some argue that sharing such content helps in seeking justice. How do you respond?

Pradipkumar: We are not suppressing evidence or supporting perpetrators. The justice delivery system functions through proper investigation and court procedures. Evidence must be submitted before investigating agencies like the NIA or before courts. Indiscriminate sharing on social media only harms the dignity of victims and affects their families.

AT: Has the Commission communicated this notice to concerned authorities?

Pradipkumar: Yes, we have already intimated the DGP Manipur, SP Cyber Crime, Director of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), and the Director of Social Welfare Department. Cybercrime authorities have a major role in addressing such violations and ensuring that unlawful online activities are curbed.

AT: What is your message to media & social media users?

Pradipkumar: We encourage responsible reporting and those genuinely working for justice. However, we are concerned about individuals who circulate such content for vested interests or to make their posts viral. That must stop. It is important to reflect whether such actions amount to secondary victimisation.

AT: Why do such instances keep repeating? Is it due to lack of awareness or enforcement?

Pradipkumar: It is largely due to ignorance. Many believe they are exercising freedom of expression. But freedom of expression is not absolute; it comes with legal and ethical restrictions. Privacy and dignity of victims must always be respected.