Child rights groups highlighted 97 pending Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act cases in Dimapur and urged reforms, faster justice and stronger safeguards.
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DIMAPUR — Amid growing concern over crimes against children following the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl at Lengrijan, child rights advocates and civil society organisations on Tuesday called for stronger child protection mechanisms, faster justice and institutional reforms, while highlighting that nearly 97 POCSO cases remain pending before courts in Dimapur.
The demands were made during a public awareness campaign organised by the Nagaland NGO's Forum (NNF) and the Nagaland Schools' Alliance (NSA) under the theme "Stand With Her" at the Town Hall in Dimapur. The programme concluded with the submission of a representation to the government of Nagaland seeking systemic reforms to strengthen child protection in the state.
Among the key demands were monitoring of cases by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Nagaland State Commission for Women, an impartial and time-bound investigation free from socio-political or professional influence, protection of the victim's identity and witness protection measures for the victim and her family.
The representation also sought free legal aid, medical care, long-term trauma counselling, rehabilitation support, educational continuity and timely compensation for victims. It further called for a dedicated one-stop crisis centre in Dimapur, mandatory child protection policies in schools and residential institutions, a state-level child abuse review committee, trained child welfare watchers in every ward, village and colony, and an end to the social stigma faced by survivors.
Also read: Lengrijan Case: DENSU says probe not over with three arrests, renews call for state-level SIT
Addressing the gathering, Advisor to the Chief Minister Abu Metha condemned the alleged assault case that has "deeply affected Nagaland" and expressed solidarity with the victim, her family and the community.
He said the government would ensure a swift, impartial and thorough investigation so that justice is delivered.
Metha stressed that while laws such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are essential, protecting children is a collective responsibility. He urged society to remain vigilant, break the silence surrounding abuse and create safe environments where children can dream and grow without fear.
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Legal Advisor of the Nagaland Alliance for Women and Child Rights, Esther K. Aye, said there is a widespread misconception that the POCSO Act applies only to girls and clarified that the law is gender-neutral and protects all children below the age of 18 years.
She said Section 19 of the Act makes reporting of child sexual abuse mandatory and that failure to report such offences can attract legal consequences.
Aye alleged that delays in registering complaints and First Information Reports (FIRs) sometimes affect the delivery of justice from the beginning of the legal process.
"The police station is where justice for a child begins," she said, adding that when there is a delay in lodging an FIR, injustice begins there.
She further alleged that victims and their families often face pressure to withdraw complaints and cited cases in which families were allegedly subjected to intimidation and social pressure after reporting abuse.
Highlighting broader concerns, Aye said records since 2013 indicate that around 147 POCSO cases have been registered in Dimapur alone. Of these, about 54 cases have been disposed of, while nearly 97 cases remain pending before the courts.
Referring to a case from the previous year, she alleged that multiple minor boys had been sexually abused by a pastor and said six victims were still awaiting justice. She urged the government and civil society organisations not to overlook the plight of male child victims.
Former Child Welfare Committee member and child rights advocate Limasenla Longkumer said underreporting remains a major challenge in addressing violence against women and children and observed that many abuse cases involve individuals known to the child, including relatives, guardians and family acquaintances.
She also expressed concern that investigations are sometimes hindered when accused persons come from influential or financially well-off families and warned against attempts to settle abuse cases through compromise or community pressure.
Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students' Union (DENSU) president Thongule Sangtam called for a watertight investigation backed by foolproof evidence and stressed zero tolerance for crimes against children.
He urged law enforcement agencies to avoid procedural delays and institutional lapses and said no individual should be shielded by power, wealth or social status.
DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato called for stronger collaboration among colony councils, women's groups and child protection agencies and announced that the federation would work towards establishing women's organisations in all 97 colonies under Dimapur.
Police have arrested three persons in connection with the alleged sexual assault of the minor girl at Lengrijan and investigation into the case is ongoing.