A one-day sensitization programme on Child Rights was held for investigation and police officers under the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kohima. Organized by DEF, Kohima in collaboration with the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR), the session took place at the SP’s Office Conference Hall, Kohima on 22nd May 2025, focussing on equipping law enforcement personnel with a deeper understanding of child protection laws and procedures.
SP, Kohima, Teisovise Metha, IPS welcoming the participants, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, and shared that the programme is designed to build the capacity of officers in handling cases involving children with greater sensitivity and legal awareness.
In his keynote address, Alun Hangsing, Chairman, NSCPCR emphasized the growing need for stronger collaboration between the police department and NSCPCR to effectively address crimes against women and children. He noted that while NSCPCR has primarily engaged in investigative roles in the past, the programme represents a step forward in institutional cooperation with law enforcement. Hangsing described policing as a noble yet demanding profession, observing that a society’s peace and well-being often depend on the professionalism and integrity of its police force.
Alun Hangsing pointed out that public awareness and legal frameworks surrounding crimes against women and children have evolved significantly, demanding more specialized knowledge and empathetic approaches from police personnel. Citing a recent advisory issued by the Commission and published in local newspapers, he underscored the importance of police officers being well-versed not only in general criminal law, such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), but also in key child protection legislations like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Hangsing further emphasized the importance of creating a child-friendly and non-intimidating environment during police interactions. “Children must feel protected and safe, not fearful, when engaging with the police,” he urged.
Akumla Longchari, Member of NSCPCR delivered a comprehensive presentation on the POCSO Act, detailing the critical role of police officers in safeguarding the rights and well-being of child victims. She stressed on the importance of immediate FIR registration, notifying the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) within 24 hours, arranging timely medical examinations, and ensuring both safety and confidentiality. She warned against practices that could lead to secondary victimization such as aggressive interrogation, disclosure of identity, victim-blaming, or encouraging compromise or mediation in such cases. Akumla also highlighted the Act’s time-bound mandates, which require investigations to be completed within two months and trials within one year.
Akumla encouraged the officers to adopt child-sensitive practices, such as using simple, non-threatening language, involving female officers when appropriate, and recording statements with care and sensitivity. Challenges in implementing the Act were also discussed, including issues such as lack of sensitivity, social stigma, delayed medical or forensic examinations, poor documentation, and frequent court adjournments. She recommended regular training, the development of standard operating procedures, and stronger accountability mechanisms to address these gaps.
Lichani Murry, Legal Consultant to NSCPCR presented an overview of the Juvenile Justice Act, which focuses not only on the protection but also the rehabilitation and development of children in need of care. She emphasized that the Act promotes a child-friendly environment in adjudicating cases and places the best interests of the child at its core. She elaborated on the role of Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) and stressed on the importance of collaboration between police and other child protection stakeholders, including the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Child Helplines, and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA). Special provisions for handling cases involving girl children were also addressed, highlighting the mandatory involvement of women police personnel.
Murry further stressed that police stations must adopt child-sensitive procedures, including the creation of child-friendly spaces, the use of plain clothes instead of uniforms during child interactions, and the availability of medical, legal, and interpreter support. She cautioned against procedural violations such as registering FIRs against children in conflict with the law, detaining them in lock-ups or adult jails, using handcuffs, or disclosing their identity to the media.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants raised pertinent questions and clarified their doubts. The session reflected a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment among the attending officers to uphold child rights and implement child protection laws with compassion, integrity, and diligence.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
