EMN
Dimapur, March 31
The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) in collaboration the National Service Scheme (NSS) organized a legal awareness programme on gender-sensitive legal measures for students of Government Higher Secondary Schools in Pfutsero and Phek district on March 30 and the 31st.
Resource person of the event Akumla Longchari, a lawyer, spoke on the topic “Online violence and exploitation of women and children.” She said that the Social Media had “really made our lives so interesting, fast and easy however, with all the benefits there are also dangers that comes along with it and so we have to be more vigilant while using Social Media.”
Longchari also warned the students about the menace of the online job offers and social engineering tactics by negative elements. These tactics use fake accounts, online gaming, and hack into someone’s account, she said. Another issue she raised was of child pornography. She also added that men are also victims of Cyber Crime but women and children are more vulnerable.
Another resource person Wapanginla Kichu, also a lawyer, spoke on the topic of human trafficking and the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act. She said that human trafficking was the worst form of exploitation and one which has became a major concern for the people of Nagaland. Many young boys and girls are taken outside of the state under the pretext of being offered education or jobs. They end up becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation, street begging, prostitution, child labour, drug smuggling or even a victim of organs trade, she said.
Kichu also said that human trafficking was the fastest growing trans-national crime with criminal organisations engaged in the flourishing trade to the tune of 8 billion dollars in a year. She also highlighted some of the important legal provisions under the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act 1956 and urged the students to be watchful of what is happening around. They must ‘stand up to fight this heinous crime to make our society a safer and a better place to live,’ the resource person added.
Another lawyer, Neiteo Koza, presented the topic “Basic Legal Rights.” She said that as a citizen of India one should at least be aware of the fundamental rights provided by the constitution. She said that the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution were inviolable and no law can be in derogation of these rights. She gave detailed explanations of the rights and privileges provided for the people to enjoy and seek protection at the same time.
Koza also urged the students to respect and abide by the laws which she said can help in achieving peace and harmony in the society and progression in all aspects of life. She also stressed on the rights and duties of consumers and gave a brief explanation on the Right to Information.
Topics about constitutional provisions and other legal provisions of the law regarding gender equality was presented by Mamang Singson, while a topic on the social aspect on gender equality in Nagaland was presented by Chitho Nyusou. He encouraged the young students to ‘do away with negative mentalities towards women and change their mindset which can help achieve gender equality.’
The program was followed by an interactive session with the students and faculty members participating with much enthusiasm.
