Imphal, August 26: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has voiced grave concern over the increasing number of suicides among children and adolescents in the state, urging the government to take immediate and coordinated action. The Commission revealed that three child suicide cases were reported within just two months in Bishnupur district, highlighting a growing mental health crisis among young people.

Among the cases were the death of a 13-year-old internally displaced boy found at a school boarding facility in Saiton village in July, the suspected suicide of a 15-year-old boy at Moirang Khoiru Makha Leikai on August 6, and the death of a Class 9 girl in Thamnapokpi on August 23, allegedly linked to cyberbullying. MCPCR Chairperson A. Pradipkumar called the trend “alarming” and emphasized that the atmosphere of displacement and unrest in Manipur is having severe psychological effects on children.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commission criticized the continued delay in notifying the Manipur State Child Policy, which was first circulated for public opinion in 2020 and revised in March 2025. The MCPCR stressed that without a statutory policy and a well-structured action plan, child rights issues in the state will remain unresolved. It also warned that children from marginalized communities, internally displaced persons, and those affected by economic hardship, COVID-19, and ethnic conflict are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges.

The Commission called for immediate steps to prevent cyberbullying and exploitation, the integration of cyber safety and life skills in school curricula, and the provision of evidence-based psychological support. It urged the government to recognize the protection of children’s lives, mental health, and rights as both a legal duty and a moral imperative.

Pradipkumar concluded that the recent suicides underscore a disturbing trend that requires urgent and collective action from all stakeholders.