The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has condemned the individuals involved in the death of two students from the state in Karnataka over the past few days.
In a statement issued here today, MSCPCR Chairperson Agatha K Sangma informed that the commission is working closely with its counterpart in Karnataka to ensure that appropriate measures are taken against those involved and to ensure that the health and wellbeing of the 22 other students from Meghalaya who were also affected in this case of food poisoning is maintained.
The MSCPCR has also requested a detailed report from Karnataka to assess and address the gaps that lead to such violations on the right to protection of the children.
Meanwhile, Sangma also expressed her sadness at the demise of two students from the state hailing from Lyndem village in East Khasi Hills and Sohparu village in West Khasi Hills.
Thirty students of the school in Karnataka suffered an acute case of food poisoning after consuming leftover food from Holi. One child died on Sunday and the other on Monday. They were just 12 and 13 years old.
“Any loss of life is regrettable, particularly when it involves children from the state in such a tragic incident which should not have occurred in the first place,” Sangma said.
The two were students of a private Gokul Educational Institution in Mandya district in Karnataka. The hostel reportedly does not have the requisite authorisation to operate.