Violence against children

WE fully endorse the anxiety expressed by a local human rights organisation at the increasing incidence of violence against children. The latest incident of the kind is the shooting and killing of a young boy of sixteen, allegedly by the owner of the restaurant he was working in. And the poor boy's fault was that he had asked for a raise which had infuriated the owner who, as easy as anything, shot the boy dead and tried to pass it off as a case of mugging. 

Several such acts of violence have been reported in the media since the bestial treatment of Rajon. The alleged killer in this case have been flaunting his influence on the law enforcing agencies in carrying himself in such an abrasive manner and meting out rough treatment to his employees.  

This is a sad picture that mirrors, unfortunately, a malaise which the state and the society have not been able to cure as yet. And the ever increasing incidences of violence against children in all spheres have been in good part due to the lack of prompt legal action and punishment of the perpetrators. However, we are happy to note that the trial of Rajon's killers has been concluded in good time and the verdict will be announced on November 8. 

While there is need for awareness for all concerned, unless exemplary punishment is awarded, children will continue to be victims of inhumane behaviour. Perhaps a time has come to revisit the provisions of the act related to the prevention of violence against women and children and incorporate measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts.