By Princess Giri Rashir
Shillong, Nov 2, 2019: Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla on November 2 expressed willingness to adopt an infant girl found abandoned at his residence in Nongrim hills, Shillong, the state capital.
The infant was found on October 29 neatly wrapped in clothing and left beside a car inside the premises of the minister’s residence. The infant was noticed at 6:30 am by a relative of the minister.
Shylla on November 2 said that he will follow the protocol and apply for adopting the baby.
“The intention of the person leaving the child was to ensure that the baby should be in safe hands,” the 29-year-old minister told reporters.
“The baby was placed near the car. So my cousin was worried wondering whose baby was it. At first, they thought that it was just some clothes but when they checked, there was a baby and I got a call and I immediately left from my quarters to my residence.”
Shylla’s sister took care of the infant. The minister informed the police who arrived at his residence and carried out normal procedures Shylla then sought permission from the police if they could take the baby to the hospital to check if the baby was not injured, to which the police approved.
“The doctor confirmed that the baby was unharmed. So I had enquired about the procedure to adopt the baby even my family members were persisting on adopting the child, but I told them there were procedures to be followed,” said Shylla.
The businessman-turned-politician of the United Democratic Party said that he didn’t lose hope after being informed that it was a long procedure to follow. The infant was then handed over to Lawei Baphyrnai specialized adoption agency.
An official statement from the district child protection officer, district child protection unit, East Khasi Hills, Shillong, said the baby was under the care and protection of the agency, Shillong. If no one claims the infant within 60 days, she will be declared legally free for adoption, the official explained.
Source: eastmojo.com