NSCPCR calls for urgentaction on child, women safety

Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) on Thursday emphasised the growing need for stronger collaboration between the police department and the commission to effectively address crimes against women and children.
Delivering keynote address at the one-day sensitization programme on Child Rights for investigation and police officers under Superintendent of Police (SP), Kohima, NSCPCR chairman Alun Hangsing said that NSCPCR had primarily engaged in investigative roles in the past. However, he said the sensitization programme represented a step forward in institutional cooperation with law enforcement.
According to a DIPR report, the programme, organised by DEF Kohima in collaboration with NSCPCR in the conference hall of at the SP Office Kohima, focussed on equipping law enforcement personnel with a deeper understanding of child protection laws and procedures.
Described policing as a noble yet demanding profession, Hangsing said that a society’s peace and well-being often depended on the professionalism and integrity of its police force.
NSCPCR chief pointed out that public awareness and legal frameworks surrounding crimes against women and children have evolved significantly, demanding more specialized knowledge and empathetic approaches from police personnel.
He underscored the importance of police officers being well-versed not only in general criminal law but also in key child protection legislations like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Further, underlining the importance of creating a child-friendly and non-intimidating environment during police interactions, Hangsing said “Children must feel protected and safe, not fearful, when engaging with the police.”
NSCPCR member Akumla Longchari, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the POCSO Act, detailing the critical role of police officers in safeguarding the rights and well-being of child victims.
She stressed on the importance of immediate FIR registration, notifying the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) within 24 hours, arranging timely medical examinations, and ensuring both safety and confidentiality.
Longchari warned against practices that could lead to secondary victimization such as aggressive interrogation, disclosure of identity, victim-blaming, or encouraging compromise or mediation in such cases.
NSCPCR member also highlighted the Act’s time-bound mandates, which required investigations to be completed within two months and trials within one year. She encouraged the officers to adopt child-sensitive practices.
NSCPCR legal consultant Lichani Murry presented an overview of the Juvenile Justice Act, which focused not only on the protection but also the rehabilitation and development of children in need of care. Murry elaborated on the role of Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) and stressed on the importance of collaboration between police and other child protection stakeholders, including the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Child Helplines, and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA).
Further, Murry asserted that police stations must adopt child-sensitive procedures, including the creation of child-friendly spaces, the use of plain clothes instead of uniforms during child interactions etc. She cautioned against procedural violations such as registering FIRs against children in conflict with the law, detaining them in lock-ups or adult jails, using handcuffs, or disclosing their identity to the media.
Earlier, SP Kohima, Teisovise Metha, welcomed the participants and expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. SP said that the programme was designed to build the capacity of officers in handling cases involving children with greater sensitivity and legal awareness.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants raised pertinent questions and clarified their doubts.