Morung Express news
Kohima | October 31
Despite being regarded as one of the safest states for women in India, Nagaland is facing a troubling increase in cases of child sexual abuse, prompting serious concerns about the safety of its children.
Apila Sangtam, a legal consultant, highlighted this alarming trend, noting that in 2023 alone, authorities registered 23 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. She revealed that 18 of these cases involved children who were assaulted by individuals known to them, while five cases were perpetrated by unknown assailants.
“Nagaland is not a safe state for children, where rape, molestation, and sexual abuse are occurring even in our homes,” Sangtam stated.
Sangtam shared these findings during a legal awareness camp and workshop focused on capacity building and skill enhancement, organized by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) in collaboration with Women Resource Development (WRD) at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima.
She recounted specific incidents, including the rape of a three-year-old, a nine-year-old boy, and a 65-year-old woman, emphasizing the urgent need for creating a safe environment for children and women through open communication and accessible support.
She expressed concern about the challenges in legal proceedings, mentioning that many cases suffer from evidence loss due to interference and a lack of familiarity with court procedures among the local population. “Nagas are not used to giving statements in court,” she noted, which can distort justice.
Sangtam also pointed out that cases of domestic violence and abuse surged during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted that 80% of offenders under the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act are women, often driven to such measures as a last resort for survival due to economic abuse by their spouses.
She outlined the various components under Domestic Violence as physical, sexual, emotional, economic and psychological and explained in detail on how and where to go for help and assistance.
The participants were also taught on the ‘bad touch’ and ‘good touch’ to help children differentiate, and keep them safe from sexual abuse.
Also speaking on the occasion, V. Kavito Zhimomi, Additional Director of WRD, emphasized the importance of balancing legal provisions with Naga customs and traditions while advocating for women’s rights and equality.
Chairperson of the NSCW, W Nginyeih Konyak, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to empowering women and promoting women-led development.
Highlighting the significant contributions of women to the state’s economy, Konyak said empowering women has become very important today and essential to ‘our’ health, social development, families and communities.
“When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive life, they can reach their full potential and contribute more to the society.
Contributing skills to the workforce can raise happier and healthier life in our community, family and society” said Konyak.
While stating that women empowerment is one of the key elements for the overall development of the society, she urged women to appreciate and support women who are working towards societal development and fighting for their rights.
“Let women know she is not alone. Let’s support each other and promote each other” stated the chairperson.
The workshop included skill enhancement sessions, with participants learning pickle-making techniques from food specialists Tenojonu John and Kacheu Kanuo.
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