Kohima: The Kohima District Legal Services Authority launched the Pan-India School Awareness Campaign under the Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan on October 26. The event took place at Dr. Neilhouzhu Government Higher Secondary School in Seikhazou, Kohima. The initiative runs through October 31. It aims to teach students about the POCSO Act of 2012, child marriage laws, and how to report abuse.
KDLSA chairperson and Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mezivolu T. Therieh, acted as the primary speaker. She told the 300 students and staff in attendance to stay alert. "The POCSO Act protects all children below 18 years from sexual offences," Therieh said. She also covered personal boundaries, digital safety, and the risks of sharing explicit media online.
The session addressed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006. Therieh reminded the audience that the legal marriage age is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. She encouraged students to contact Child Helpline 1098 if they face neglect or abuse. Educators received specific instructions to support children who come forward with disclosures rather than casting blame.
Graduate teacher Alokali K. Yeptho chaired the event, which opened with the Lord’s Prayer. Advocate Kekhriengunuo Catherine introduced the campaign theme, "Every Child’s Childhood is Our Collective Responsibility." The program finished with closing remarks from advocate Berta Tep and an interactive quiz competition for the students.
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