Will focus on training legal reporting to journalists: MASLSA Secy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 20 2022: While noting out that the media has been taking a huge role in highlighting the issue of sexual abuse of children, but sometimes faced inconveniences in reporting the matter, Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) member secretary Ojesh Mutum said that they will focus on giving training on legal reporting to journalists though the system of giving accreditation by Supreme Court to journalist is not in practice in the state as of now.

A state level training and sensitization programme of media houses and community leaders of all tribes on child sexual abuse cum releasing of IEC materials was jointly organised by JNIMS Psychiatry Department and Department of Justice, Ministry of law and justice at JNIMS lecture hall on Saturday.

Speaking at the programme as chief guest, Ojesh Mutum highlighted the need for community leaders and stakeholders to jointly fight the issue of child abuse.

POCSO Act is child friendly and is based on the interest of children, he said.

Observing that cases of child sexual abuse seem to be increasing even after enactment of POCSO Act, 2012, he observed that whether people are aware about the crimes with the coming of the Act or if the Act has become obsolete is still a big question.

As most of the incidents of child sexual abuse occur at places where people do not have much knowledge, filing of police report is limited.

In addition to this, culprits are mostly near and dear ones known and familiar to the victims.

It is the duty of every person to file report to the nearest police station or Juvenile police unit if such crimes occurred, Ojesh explained.

Stressing the need to find out the inconveniences faced in implementing the Act on the ground and the ways to address the issue, he mentioned that there were instances where such cases are settled through customary law.

However, the customary law should go hand in hand with the Act under constitutional provision.

Protecting the right of children is universal, so the traditions and customs should be altered in tune with the changing times.

Giving awareness about it is very essential, he continued.

While observing that child sexual abuse mostly occurred to girls, JNIMS director Prof L Deben said that the' victims may face numerous psychological factors, and therefore family and community treatment is highly needed.

The programme is being organised as media is also vital in community treatment, he added.

Urging to join hands and prevent sexual crimes against children in the society, Deben said that the victims need psychological, physical and social rehabilitation.

He appealed to those concerned for organising more such awareness programmes.

In his address, AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai said that the rate of giving punishment to those offenders is slow but the number of cases regarding child sexual abuse in the state is high.

Stating that the journalists have been taking their responsibility in reporting such issues based on the norms specified by the Act, he continued that journalists also face inconveniences due to fake news spread through social media thereby harming the image of the journalists.

The programme presided over by JNIMS Psychiatry Department Head and project director Prof K Shantibala had Department's project consultant and assistant professor Dr L Nelson speaking as resource person on the topics 'POCSO Act - offences, punishment, amendments, linkage with other child related legislations' and 'Media - roles and responsibility under POCSO Act, anecdotes and support person - POCSO Act overview' .

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