Poonch, 03-12-2025: In a commendable display of coordinated child protection efforts, authorities in Poonch successfully rescued and repatriated a minor boy, Sameer, who had been found working as a child labourer several months ago. Sameer, a resident of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, came to the attention of local authorities after the Child Helpline (CHL) Team Poonch received information about his situation and acted swiftly to secure his safety.
Following the rescue, the child was immediately produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Poonch, which placed him at the Child Care Institution (CCI) Palash Poonch. During his stay, Sameer received temporary shelter, care and protection in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Over the next several weeks, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Poonch undertook all verification procedures, documentation, and fact-checking required to ensure due process. Authorities meticulously worked through each step of the repatriation protocol, confirming details with the child’s home district and coordinating travel arrangements to guarantee his safe return.
Once the repatriation was cleared, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Poonch facilitated the child’s escorted journey back to Aligarh. The process was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma (JKAS), and Chairperson CWC Poonch, Rohit Khajuria, with overall supervision of DCPO Poonch, Khalil Ahmed Banday (KAS). On arrival, Sameer will be presented before the Child Welfare Committee Aligarh for rehabilitation planning and further legal procedures as per statutory norms.
Officials emphasised that this case reflects the strong institutional coordination between the CWC, DCPU and Child Helpline teams in Poonch, all of whom remain deeply committed to combating child labour and upholding children’s rights. The successful rescue and repatriation underscore the district’s resolve to ensure that every child receives protection, dignity, and access to a safe childhood.