Kohima, August 9 (MExN): Nagaland Police, in collaboration with the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR), organised a one-day sensitization programme on child rights and child protection at the Conference Hall, PHQ, Kohima on August 8.
Chairman of the NSCPCR, Alun Hangsing, highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Speaking at the event, he stated that the NSCPCR, established in 2013 under the provisions of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, is an autonomous statutory body mandated to monitor and ensure the proper implementation of provisions under key child rights legislations.
He informed that these include the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2005, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, as well as laws related to child trafficking, adoption, marriage, children in street situations, and prevention of drug and substance abuse among children. He said the Commission is tasked with analysing existing laws and policies for compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and can undertake formal investigations when concerns are raised directly or indirectly by children.
Hangsing said the Government of Nagaland is “sincerely implementing all legislative provisions aimed at protecting child rights and creating a safe and secure environment” and that the Commission is doing everything within its jurisdiction to raise awareness. “The role of the police is crucial and important, not only in enforcing laws, maintaining order, and ensuring safety and security, but also in protecting rights and providing a safe environment,” he added.
Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, expressed appreciation to the NSCPCR for organising awareness programmes, noting that many children “remain unaware of their legal rights and protections.” He stressed the need to educate children, parents, guardians, teachers, and the wider community to prevent crimes against children.
Member NSCPCR, Akumla Longchari, spoke on the POCSO Act, stressing the role of police in ensuring timely justice and sensitive handling of victims. Legal Consultant NSCPCR, Lichani Murry, presented an overview of the Juvenile Justice Act, stressing its balance between justice and the best interests of the child.
The programme included discussions on key child protection laws and the need for coordinated efforts to uphold child rights.
