Kohima: Village councils in Mokokchung District often act as the first point of contact for families facing child safety concerns. These local bodies lack formal procedures for child protection, and many leaders report receiving no training on child rights during their tenure. Decisions on how to handle serious issues depend entirely on the situation. One village council chairman noted, "Everything comes under the council."
Child-protection workers worry these informal, private settlements allow cases to vanish. Families often seek to avoid public shame or preserve community relationships by keeping matters quiet. This practice frequently leaves victims without medical support, legal access, or necessary counselling. Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, failing to report sexual offences to the police, Child Helpline 1098, or the District Child Protection Unit is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine, or both.
Customary institutions often favor fines or social boycotts over formal legal intervention. These measures fail to address the victim's needs and rarely stop offenders, who may simply move to new locations. Confidentiality is the core rule for the District Child Protection Unit. The team protects the identity of all callers while ensuring cases reach proper authorities. They aim to respond to urgent reports within one hour.
Since January 2024, the unit has tracked approximately six or seven sexual offense cases and more than 20 cases involving missing or runaway children. They also handle an average of four to five nutrition cases and a similar number of counseling sessions monthly. Despite these figures, many instances of neglect or abuse never reach official channels. Officials urge schools, churches, and community groups to display child helpline numbers prominently. Awareness remains the only way to ensure cases move from private compromise to professional care.
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