What began as minor arguments at home turned into weeks and, in one case, months of uncertainty and separation for two teenage girls and their families. With the intervention of Phuentshogling Dungkhag and the support of Indian authorities, both girls have now been safely reunited with their families.
A 16-year-old girl from Sarpang, who was living with her family in Jaigaon, India, left home following an argument with her mother in April this year. According to the girl, she initially stayed with a friend in Phuentshogling. After several failed attempts to locate her daughter, the mother eventually filed a missing person’s report with the Jaigaon police on 19th April.
The girl returned home about a week later. However, Jaigaon police said she had to be sent to the Child Welfare Committee, Alipurduar. The police added that the matter could not be immediately closed as a case involving a minor had already been registered.
Further, the girl was taken to Cooch Behar and was admitted to a child home for counselling, where she was placed under the care of the District Child Protection Unit.
It took several months before the mother and daughter could be reunited, as Indian authorities had to complete the required protocols and formalities involving a minor.
After Phuentshogling Dungkhag officials learned about the case, they intervened and coordinated with Indian authorities to facilitate the girl’s return to Bhutan.
In another case, a 17-year-old girl studying at a school in Phuentshogling left home following an argument with her family in mid-August. She crossed into India and was later found at a railway station in Siliguri. The girl was subsequently placed under the care of the Jalpaiguri District Child Protection Unit.
With the support and coordination of Phuentshogling Dungkhag officials, Indian authorities handed the girl over to her parents a few days ago.
Both girls were later taken for medical examinations, which confirmed that they are in good health. Relevant Civil Society Organisations also provided support to the girls and their families during the process.
The two cases highlight how a moment of anger and a decision to leave home can lead to lengthy legal procedures, and weeks or even months of uncertainty and separation for families.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
