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Jharkhand Children Combat Mob Violence with Awareness
28 Feb
Summary
- Children educate villagers on dangers of rumor-driven violence.
- An incident involving a misinterpreted visitor sparked the initiative.
- Youth organized rallies and door-to-door campaigns for safety.
Around 15 children from Khunti district in Jharkhand are leading an awareness drive against mob violence triggered by child-lifting rumors. The initiative started three weeks ago in Bichna and Ghoratoli panchayats after a misunderstanding involving a visitor from Odisha, who was suspected of being a child lifter due to speaking a different language. The children, members of the Bal Manch, realized the potential for harm and decided to educate their community.
These young activists organized rallies and conducted door-to-door campaigns across 14 villages. They are informing residents about the risks of mob justice and advising them on appropriate actions if a child goes missing or suspicious activity is observed. Handmade posters with helpline numbers for police and child welfare services have been displayed in homes.
The Bal Manch, supported by the Bal Kalyan Sangh (BKS) under Mission Vatsalya, focuses on child leadership and protection. Their efforts have been lauded by local officials, including the Bichna panchayat mukhiya and the Khunti Deputy Development Commissioner, who expressed plans to replicate the program in other areas.
