Kohima: The Kohima District Legal Services Authority launched the Pan India School Awareness Campaign on October 26 at Dr Neilhouzhu Government Higher Secondary School in Seikhazou. Working under the National Legal Services Authority Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan, the program aims to educate students on the 2012 POCSO Act, child marriage laws, and reporting procedures. About 300 students and staff attended.
Principal District and Sessions Judge and Kohima DLSA Chairperson Mezivolu T Therieh urged students to stay alert. She told them to never live in fear. Therieh stressed the importance of identifying inappropriate behavior, setting personal boundaries, and reporting abuse to trusted adults immediately. She warned against online threats, emphasizing that circulating sexual images of children is an offense. Teachers were told not to blame victims who come forward.
The event highlighted the 1098 Child Helpline for those facing abuse or neglect. Students learned that the legal marriage age is 18 for girls and 21 for boys under the 2006 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The goal is to stop child marriage and protect kids from the physical and psychological harm it causes.
Kekhriengunuo Catherine, a panel lawyer, introduced the campaign by noting, "Every Child’s Childhood is our Collective Responsibility." Alokali K Yeptho delivered the welcome address, and Berta Tep provided closing remarks. Officials held a quiz to measure how much the students learned about their safety.
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