Tseminyu launches a child-friendly room and its first Under-18 Fitness Championship to promote child safety and youth fitness.
KOHIMA — A child-friendly room and the first Tseminyu Under-18 Fitness Championship, themed “Stronger Youth, Safer Society,” were launched by Child Helpline 1098 under the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Tseminyu, in collaboration with the Tseminyu Police Department and Life Fitness Tseminyu on Friday.
The child-friendly room aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for children in need of care and protection, as well as children in conflict with the law.
Inaugurating the facility at the Superintendent of Police (SP) office in Tseminyu, Deputy Commissioner Japheth Woch described the initiative as a one-of-a-kind effort and urged the public to make proper use of the facility.
He also reminded police personnel that children in conflict with the law should not be treated like other accused individuals, emphasising the need for a sensitive and child-friendly approach when dealing with them.
The facility is intended to serve not merely as a place for children to sit but also as a space where they can learn and interact comfortably, depending on their needs and circumstances.
Superintendent of Police, Tseminyu, Talisunep Imchen, said youth are the backbone of society, adding that physical fitness, mental strength, discipline and responsible behaviour are essential for building a strong community.
Emphasising the championship's theme, he said sports and fitness go beyond physical well-being, helping young people develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and positive values.
Neingutuonuo Kulnu, administrator of the Child Helpline, Women and Child Development (WCD) Control Room, Nagaland, highlighted the importance of establishing child-friendly rooms in police stations.
She observed that children often grow up fearing the police because parents sometimes use the word “police” to frighten them. She stressed that children should not fear the police, whose role is to protect people and ensure their safety.
Kulnu also underscored the importance of children's emotional well-being, noting that the emotional challenges they experience are often overlooked.
She expressed concern over the increasing number of cases involving children in conflict with the law in Nagaland, adding that peer pressure and mental health challenges can affect young people.
Sharing her personal experience as a gym-goer, Kulnu said regular exercise and physical fitness could help manage stress. She called for greater attention to children's health and encouraged physical activity as a means of maintaining both physical and mental well-being.
Meanwhile, in the Under-18 Fitness Championship conducted by Life Fitness Tseminyu, Jochuyhulo Khing secured first place, Soyhun Magh second place and Sinkvulo Keppen third place in the male category.
In the female category, Zenyhunle Kent secured first place, followed by Hanji Jemu in second place and Keninye Seb in third place.
The competition saw the participation of 34 young people aged between 14 and 17.