The Child Welfare Committee Phek and student bodies appeal for victim privacy following a child sexual assault case.
Public urged to protect identity of victim
DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations have issued separate statements strongly condemning the recent sexual abuse of a minor in Phek district and appealing to the public to protect the identity of the victim.
Child Welfare Committee, Phek: The Child Welfare Committee, Phek, expressed deep concern over the circulation of information on social media and other public platforms relating to the recent child sexual abuse case.
In a note, the committee appealed to all citizens, media houses, civil society organisations, student bodies, and social media users not to disclose or mention, either directly or indirectly, the name of the victim, the accused, their village, school, family details, or any other information that may lead to the identification of the child victim.
The committee reminded the public that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 strictly prohibits the disclosure of the identity of a child victim of sexual offences. Even indirect references, including the mention of a particular village, institution, or any identifying detail, may compromise the child's identity and undermine their right to privacy, dignity, and protection.
The committee urged everyone to refrain from publishing or sharing the names of the victim or the accused, avoid mentioning the village, school, or family details, and refrain from forwarding photographs, videos, or documents related to the case. It requested the public to report responsibly and allow the investigation and judicial process to proceed without prejudice.
Also read: Minor boy sexually assaulted in Phek; accused arrested
Woman found dead in Dimapur; cousin arrested for murder, sexual assault
The Chakhesang Students' Union also condemned the sexual assault and expressed alarm over the rising incidence of child sexual abuse within Phek district, calling it a matter of grave public concern that demands immediate, uncompromising intervention.
The union demanded that the accused be investigated and prosecuted under the strictest provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and all other applicable laws without delay.
It stated that it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against children and will closely monitor the investigation and judicial process to ensure there is no delay, interference, or attempt to shield the accused.
The union also appealed to all citizens to immediately report any incident of child abuse, sexual exploitation, or violence against minors to the nearest law enforcement agency or the office of the Chakhesang Students' Union.
Phek Town Council: The Phek Town Council condemned the sexual assault, commended the swift response of the Phek police in apprehending the accused, and urged the investigating authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation under the relevant provisions of the law.