A Consultative meeting and sensitization programme with police personnel to address violence against women and children was held in Mon on May 2. It was jointly organized by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) and Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB).
According to a press release from SRCW Nagaland, whilst giving an overview of the current state of crime against women and children in Mon, Vrinda Shukla SDPO Mon, reported that 4 adult rape cases, 3 murder, 8 Sexual Harassment, 2 cases involving grievous hurt, 2 of kidnapping women for marriage, 5 child rape, 1 child sexual assault and 2 child kidnapping have been registered since 2013. However, she observed that many cases go unreported because crimes are hushed up and the public resort to alternative forms of Justice — both of which are attached to filial and communal obligations– which sometimes obstruct the prevention of such violence. Another existing trend, she said, was the problem of victim identification in relation to children being kept as domestic help in cities. She acknowledged that whilst many were well taken care of, many others were subjected to abuse. Regular training and engaged leadership, she stated, were active components to remain updated about laws and realities to respond to such crimes effectively. She acknowledged the need for better infrastructure and resources, specifically the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) being the basic requirement for active functioning of police services in the state.
Thavaseelan K, DC Mon, stressed on the need for sensitizing stakeholders on such issues and existing government schemes, that it is not only the awareness but also an operative implementation that would lead to effective protection and rehabilitation of victims. Gracy Ayee, state coordinator, SRCW, gave an overview of the new schemes initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, GoI- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BPPP), Sakhi – One Stop Centre (OSC) and the Women Helpline 181. Bano Vinito, chairperson, NSSWB, spoke on the subject “Justice delayed is justice denied”, and encouraged the personnel to be more expressive and verbal in dealing with matters of violence against women, children regardless of societal obligations.
Topha Konyak, panel lawyer, DLSA Mon, spoke about the legal services provided by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority. Rethunglo Kikon and Lanuienla Imchen from Women Helpline 181, explained the forms of violence and legal rights of women and children.