A one-day sensitization programme on Child Rights was conducted on May 22, 2025, for investigation and police officers under the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kohima. Organized by DEF, Kohima in collaboration with the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR), the event was held at the SP’s Office Conference Hall and aimed to equip law enforcement officers with a deeper understanding of child protection laws and practices.
Welcoming the participants, SP Kohima, Teisovise Metha, IPS, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that the programme was designed to strengthen officers’ capacity to handle child-related cases with greater sensitivity and legal awareness.
Delivering the keynote address, NSCPCR Chairman Alun Hangsing emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between the police and the Commission to effectively combat crimes against women and children. He noted that while NSCPCR had primarily engaged in investigations, this programme marked a step forward in institutional collaboration. Hangsing highlighted the importance of integrity in policing, stating that a society’s peace and security depend greatly on the professionalism of its law enforcement agencies.
He also pointed out the evolution of legal frameworks and public awareness around child and women-related crimes, urging officers to gain specialized knowledge. Referring to a recent advisory published in local media, Hangsing stressed that police must be well-versed not only in the IPC and CrPC, but also in specific child protection laws such as the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. “Children must feel protected and safe, not fearful, when engaging with the police,” he said, urging officers to adopt a child-friendly approach.
NSCPCR Member Akumla Longchari delivered an in-depth presentation on the POCSO Act, highlighting the police’s critical role in safeguarding child victims. She stressed timely FIR registration, informing the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) within 24 hours, medical examination, and ensuring confidentiality. She warned against secondary victimization through practices like aggressive questioning, identity disclosure, and victim-blaming.
Akumla also outlined the Act’s time-bound mandates and advocated for child-sensitive procedures, regular training, and accountability mechanisms.
Lichani Murry, Legal Consultant to NSCPCR, presented on the Juvenile Justice Act, emphasizing rehabilitation and child-friendly adjudication. She explained the roles of Special Juvenile Police Units and other child protection stakeholders, and discussed special provisions for girl children. Murry stressed the need for child-friendly police stations and warned against procedural violations involving children in conflict with the law.
The programme ended with an interactive Q&A session, reinforcing officers’ commitment to upholding child rights with compassion and integrity.