Raising alarm over situation of children in the conflict zone, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over recruitment and use of children and adolecents by the Maoists/Naxalites in India. In its latest report, the UN said, “The Naxals have claimed that children were used only as messengers and informers but have admitted that children were provided with training to use non-lethal and lethal weapons including landmines.”

The report also noted that young children are forcibly recruited by Naxals. It also cited the example of Chhattisgarh where the Naxals exhorted villagers to provide five boys or girls for their armed group.

“The Naxals have also carried out systematic attacks on schools in order to intentionally damage and destroy government structures and to instill fear among the local community,” the report further added.

The report mentioned that government of India has been undertaking several steps to strengthen integrated child development and pre-school education centres in all areas.

The annual report prepared by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will be submitted to the Security Council.

Report attached.