The Manipur government today decided to form an all-woman force to combat ,child, “kidnappings” — believed to be the handiwork of militant outfits for recruitment — as it looked for an answer to one of its biggest crisis in recent times.

Manipuri women are known for their extreme courage and activism, always leading from the front in times of crisis.

The women’s force will consist of members between the age group of 18 and 30 years who will keep watch in the localities and roads in small groups.

The meeting was attended by members of the public, student organisations and NGOs.

The decision was significant as it gave enough indications that the people were not convinced about the government’s measures to stop the abductions. The state government has issued orders making it mandatory for children to be accompanied by elder relatives.

Today’s meeting also decided to move the Centre apprising it of the serious nature of the situation. Since May 1 this year, at least 12 children have gone missing in the state.

Though a militant group has claimed that some children have come to join it on their own, it is generally believed that the youngsters are being lured. Earlier, a mass rally was organised by the Kanglei Apunba Ima Yaipha Lup in Imphal today. The rally was attended by students, parents and representatives of citizens’ organisations.

The procession started from Thangmeiband Athletics Union ground and snaked through important streets of the city and finally converged at Manipur Dramatic Union hall where a meeting was held.

Th. Ramani Devi of Nupi Samaj, Prof. N. Mohendro Singh of the Senior Citizens’ Forum, advocate P. Tomcha Singh and social activist Sanjoy Khaidem also deliberated on the occasion. Several teachers and parents also spoke today.

A five-point charter was adopted which said no to child soldiers, demanded the immediate release of all children in militant custody and called for a stop to atrocities against children by state forces. It suggested that the government ensured right to life for children and that parents and guardians must take good care of their wards. The decision to raise the force was taken after daylong deliberations on Child Abductions and the Impact on Society, which was organised by two leading groups — the United People’s Front and Ethno Heritage Council — which are campaigning on the issue.