DIMAPUR: Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Aotula T. Imchen, informed members of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Dimapur, that reported cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act had increased from seven in 2022 to fifteen in 2025, while traced missing children reached 216 in 2025.
Speaking at the DPDB meeting held on June 24, Imchen said many missing child cases were linked to runaway incidents or elopement patterns. She urged stakeholders to identify early warning signs such as absenteeism, school dropouts and behavioural changes to prevent children from becoming vulnerable.
Highlighting police initiatives on preventive awareness and coordinated action for child safety, she called for stronger collaboration and emphasized the need for a unified child protection system linking police, Childline, welfare agencies, schools, health institutions and community leaders. She stressed that clear roles, timely referrals, regular coordination and effective information sharing were essential to ensure no child was left without support. She further said that building a culture of prevention, accountability, confidentiality and collective responsibility, was key to safeguarding children’s rights and well being.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of advisor for Industries & Commerce and DPDB chairperson, Hekani Jakhalu. Deputy Commissioner and vice chairman DPDB Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, welcomed Jakhalu as the new chairperson and also introduced new members of the Board, including Ruzonyi Wideo, CEO Dimapur Municipal Council; Matsung Aier, Senior Treasury Officer; Viwheto Thorie, District Agriculture Officer; and Nyuvisie Nyusou, RO, Art & Culture Department.
Addressing the meeting, Hekani called upon members to work with dedication, unity and teamwork for the overall development of Dimapur district. She emphasized collective effort and urged officers to support one another in ensuring successful implementation of government programmes. Describing Dimapur as one of the State’s most important commercial hubs, she encouraged officers to make the best use of the opportunity to serve the people. Expressing confidence in the Board, she said members would work together under her chairmanship over the next year to contribute positively to the district’s growth.
The Board deliberated on several agenda items. Applications for registration of societies including Dimapur Athletic Association, Rise and Lead Foundation, and Nagaland E Sport Association were approved and recommended, while registration of Covenant Foundation was deferred. Proposals for change of nomenclature of ITIKI Montessori School to ITIKI School, Darogapathar, and upgradation of Grace Fountain School, Duncan Bosti, from Class V to Class VIII were also deferred to the next meeting.
The DC thanked the DCP Traffic and Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president for highlighting proposals to ease traffic congestion and assured that the suggestions would be forwarded to higher authorities for approval in the interest of the public.
