Preventing abduction of children

Sir,
It is painful that thousands of children go missing in India every year though in many cases such incidents may go unreported. Some of these children may also be  ‘runaway’ children who leave their homes after being under pressure by parents or not being able to pass their exams or due to some other adverse circumstances prevailing in their homes.But in majority of the cases,these children are abducted by unscruplous elements or gangs for ransom or other reasons. Unfortunately, most of these children may end up being raped, employed in child trafficking, prostitution, labour or sent to other countries or forced to beg. They may also be forced for donation of vital organs.One can well imagine the condition of their parents,especially the mother for whom everyday becomes a doomsday and they wait for their missing children with eyes full of hope. Unfortunately, many of  them remain untraced.
It is,therefore the first and foremost responsibility of the parents to treat their children with love and affection  and ensure his/her emotional well being.They must be careful and cautious about them at places like shopping malls,railway stations, cinemas, fairs, temples, hospitals etc as majority of such incidents take place at such places.They must also warn them against trusting strangers immediately and advise  them to raise an alarm in case they find themselves in trouble.The children must be told not to accept gifts and eatables from strangers.The parents must ensure that their child knows the telephone/ cellphone no. of father and at least two of his friends so that he/she can contact them in emergency .The Government and NGOs must come forward and help the Police and other law enforcement agencies in tracing such children.Parents must be made aware to report the cases of their missing children,citing their height complexion, dress, last location, photograph etc immediately to enable the Police to trace them in time. Child labour laws need to be implemented .There is also need to rehabilitate the runaway and other children engaged in begging,rag picking and other such menial jobs.
Yours etc…..
Ankita Sharma
Udhampur

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