Awareness camp on POCSO Act held
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte

Churachandpur, May 10 2025: A one-day awareness programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, was conducted at Sadbhavana Mandap Relief Camp in Tuibong on Saturday.

The event was jointly organised by the District Police, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Churachandpur, and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Churachandpur.

The session featured key resource persons including Churachandpur SP Prakhar Pandey; CWC Churachandpur chairperson Chingngaidon; inspector Chiinneilam Gangte, OC, WPS Churachandpur; and advocate Thangmuan Ngaihte.

In his address, SP Pandey emphasised the need for parents and guardians to engage in regular and open communication with their children.

He noted that in the midst of daily routines and responsibilities, many caregivers overlook the importance of checking in on their children s well-being.

He urged the public to report any suspected sexual offences against children, encouraging them to seek assistance either from the police or other relevant agencies.

"Talking is key," Pandey stressed.

"We must talk to our children, understand them, and observe any behavioural changes - especially in times of conflict, when children are often the most vulnerable".

He encouraged camp residents to support one another and underscored the importance of community involvement in child protection.

Chingngaidon spoke on the committee's role under the Department of Social Welfare in supporting children in distress.

She outlined the various interventions provided by the CWC, including education and vocational training, which have helped many children recover from trauma.

Inspector Chiinneilam Gangte provided insights into the practical aspects of the POCSO Act, sharing real-life cases encountered in the district.

Expressing concern over numerous offences going unreported due to stigma and fear, particularly within families, she encouraged all attendees, especially mothers, to report any form of abuse - whether the victim is male or female.

Advocate Thangmuan Ngaihte elaborated on the legal framework of the POCSO Act and explained the legal recourse available to victims.

It may be mentioned that, under the provisions of the POCSO Act, the identities of child victims must be protected at all costs.

Consequently, such cases are often not publicised in the same manner as other legal matters.

The names, addresses, and other identifying details of the children and their families must not be disclosed, particularly before a conviction is secured.

The organisers also appealed to members of the press and media to exercise sensitivity when reporting on such cases.

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