Imphal, September 03: To take first hand account of the issues concerning the children irj, the State including child abductions, recruitment of child soldiers and HIV/AIDS, an official team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights led by its chairperson arrived here today on a 3-day visit.

The visiting team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights comprises its chairman Dr Shantha Sinha, member Dipa Dixit, consultant Rashmi Chopra, Lt Col Makul Saxena of Indian Army and Eastern Regional Coordinator of the Kolkata-based Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India Dr Parbati Sengupta.

During the course of their three-day stay, the team would be visiting to inspect the ART centres at RIMS and JN Hospital and hold public hearing on the issues of HIV/AIDS and child rights.

Upon their arrival at Imphal this afternoon.

Social Welfare - Department facilitated a joint meeting of the visiting officials with the Government officials and representatives of the NGOs working on child issues and HIV/AIDS at State Guest House.

Representatives of Juvenile Justice Board; Child Welfare Committee; Child Line, Imphal, NGOs working on the issue of HIV/ AIDS and child "issues and Project Director of Manipur AIDS Control.

Society, Director of Social Welfare Department TJabakumar, Woman -Development Officer A Shishak, Assistant Probation Officer K Saroja, Extension Officer Umarani, Extension Officer Kameshore and Child Welfare Officer Binobala were also present during the meeting.

Highlighting the issues and scenario of child rights in the State, the participants expressed concern over lack of initiative on the part of the State Government in ensuring the rights of the children even in the light of the recent reports of child abduction for recruitment as child soldiers by militants.

They also pointed out that the State Government is yet to take up necessary measures to protect the rights of the children under the Juvenile Justice Act including setting up of Special Juvenile Police Units in all the districts of the State.

Taking advantage of the visit, Manipur Network of Positive People had also submitted a memorandum to the Commission highlighting the problems and issues of children living with HIV/ AIDS in the State.