Dimapur stakeholders explore ways to enhance child safety

The participants of a consultative meeting on child protection.

• DIMAPUR — A consultative meeting was held on Friday at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Dimapur to address concerns surrounding child safety and the pivotal role of community leaders in navigating statutory and customary laws.
• 
  
• A press release informed that the event, organised by Prodigals’ Home in collaboration with the DC’s office and supported by DKA Austria, was attended by the president and representatives of Gaon Buras (Sadar) Union Dimapur, president and members of Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF), officials from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Helpline 1098, and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Dimapur.
• 
  
• Alomi Sumi, Coordinator of Child Helpline Dimapur, informed that gathering that between April 202 and March 2025, 212 child-related cases—including incidents of missing children, runaways, rape, and assault—were reported to the helpline, a figure deemed alarming due to potential underreporting.

Also read: High Court interim order stays enumeration of Kuki, Garo, Kachari, and Mikir communities in Nagaland

• 
  
• K Ela, Director of Prodigals’ Home, elaborated on the concept of child safety within the unique socio-legal context of Nagaland, highlighting conflicts and contradictions often encountered between Indian statutory laws and Naga customary laws. She stressed the critical roles of Gaon Buras and village council leaders as frontline protectors of children’s rights.
• 
  
• During the interactive session, Kholie Khapfo, President of the GB Union Dimapur , shared the challenges faced by GBs in managing sensitive cases and flagged the underutilisation of Article 371(A).
• 
  
• “He said that Naga customary laws have their own flaws but also have many features that provide swifter and more humane justice but are unfortunately being obliterated in many instances by statutory laws,” it stated.
• 
  
• Zasi Zakiesato, President of DUCCF, highlighted the widespread availability of drugs like "shan and sunflower" and its impact on youth addiction. The participants called for government-initiated rehabilitation centres dedicated to juveniles affected by substance abuse.
• 
  
• They also agreed on the urgent need to find a common ground where customary and statutory laws can work together and not against each other, enhance child rights awareness across villages and colonies, and improve mechanisms for child protection.
• 
  
• Moamenla Yaden, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, clarified queries related to CWC’s functions, reiterating the committee’s readiness to support children in need.
• 
  
• Although the meeting concluded without definitive resolutions, there was consensus on expanding stakeholder involvement to formulate comprehensive strategies that address child protection holistically, respecting both statutory provisions and customary traditions.