Over 150 POCSO cases in state since April 2021: Dingo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 23 2022: Informing that over 150 POCSO related cases were reported in the state since April last year, Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo has stressed the need for cooperation among the stakeholders in order to stop sexual abuses of children in the state.

Speaking as chief guest at an awareness programme on Child Sexual Abuse organised by Social Welfare Department at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, Thangmeiband, here on Tuesday, Dingo expressed concern over the increasing cases of child sexual abuse in the state.

Even though the government is fast tracking POCSO cases, the state tops the list in reported cases of sexual abuse of children in the country, which is quite unfortunate, he said.

Citing the recent case of a man raping his own daughter for nearly seven years, the minister said that all stakeholders including CSOs, Meira Paibi groups, local clubs and student organisations should cooperate to stop such crimes.

The minister further informed that mass awareness programme regarding POCSO Act will be organised in all the districts to create awareness among the people and also in stopping crimes, especially sexual abuses of children.

Reiterating that children are the future of the nation, the minister said that any inhumane act like sexual abuse should be immediately reported to the authority concerned so that follow up actions could be initiated against the culprits.

Failure to take up proper action in time will lead to recurrence of such crimes, Dingo cautioned.

Additional chief secretary P Vaiphei, who was also present on the occasion, said that giving unrestricted access to smartphones among underage children is one of the major reasons of crimes against children in today's world.

While emphasising that the masses need to act collectively to provide a safe environment for the children, especially girls as they are more prone to become victim of sexual abuse, he said any traumatic experience in their childhood will remain forever and it will affect their lives.

According to Social Welfare director Ng Uttam, 99 per cent cases of sexual abuse of children are committed by their near and dear ones, such as family members, neighbours and relatives.

Apart from creating awareness among the public and taking up stringent measures to prevent such crimes, it is also important to teach the children about differences on physical contacts by others, how to react on such approaches, and encourage them to report any such incidents or unwanted behaviour from any people to their parents.

Family members should also refrain from hiding such incidents as it will encourage the perpetrators to commit more such crimes in future, he said.

Earlier, P Vaiphei flagged off a mass rally from the Shanglen with the participation of more than 2000 children from different districts.

The rally culminated at the starting point after passing through Nagamapal, BT Road and Khoyathong Road.

Wabagai MLA Dr Usham Deben and social welfare deputy director (CP) K Sa-roja also attended the programme, which was also participated by members of Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Board of all 16 districts, functionaries of children's homes from five districts, students and officials of social welfare department.

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