Kohima: Stakeholders gathered in Dimapur on June 9 for a consultation on child protection and the POCSO Act to address the systemic silence surrounding sexual abuse. Organized by the Nagaland NGOs Forum and the Nagaland Schools' Alliance, the event served as a show of solidarity for a 14-year-old sexual abuse victim and a call for broader social change.
NNF President Andrew Ahoto Sema opened the event by emphasizing that the movement seeks unbiased justice rather than agitation. He encouraged the community to push for societal transformation and asked media outlets to prioritize ethics over sensationalism. Central Nagaland Tribes Council President Hukiye Yepthomi echoed these sentiments, noting that a betrayal of trust by a caregiver is inexcusable. He stated, "A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members," and stressed that protecting children requires a coordinated effort between schools, families, and law enforcement.
The discussion highlighted how societal pressure often forces victims to remain silent to protect the reputation of their families or clans. Naga Women Hoho Dimapur President Y Imlinungla argued that traditions should exist to protect dignity rather than shield offenders. Similarly, Khontele Seb of Dimapur Women for City Impact condemned the tendency of institutions to prioritize their own image over the safety of children, labeling past silence as complicity.
Addressing the role of educational institutions, NSA Executive Member Noune Kire pushed for schools to move beyond symbolic gestures. He urged administrators to integrate formal safety education and prepare teachers to identify signs of distress in students. The organizers concluded the event by submitting a formal request to the Governor and Chief Minister of Nagaland. Their demands include fast-tracked legal proceedings, the establishment of a state-funded crisis center in Dimapur, and the mandatory implementation of child protection policies in all local schools.
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