Dimapur, March 9 (MExN): Against the backdrop of several incidents that occurred since the start of 2013, a much needed consultation of stake holders on the issue of safety of children in Dimapur was held today at Pastoral Hall, Hoy Cross School Dimapur. The consultation was organized by Dimapur’s Child Rights Committee. Asha Sanchu, Director Miqlat Ministry and K. Ela, Director Prodigal’s Home, were the moderators of the program.
Rev. Fr. C. P Anto, Director Peace Channel, in his introduction stated that the objective of the meeting is to discuss issues related to rampant child abuse, rape and murder in the district. In light of the recent murder of a 13-year-old girl who was found raped and murdered, he said that the mission was to plan collectively on how to approach such challenges in society. “The time has come for us to think, reflect, and act on behalf of our innocent children especially the vulnerable ones living in difficult circumstances, like children of migrants, those affected by civil unrest, conflict and children in conflict with law, children who are trafficked, employed as domestic servants, at hotels and motels, tea shops and resorts, affected by HIV and AIDS,” he said.
He questioned if children are safe in Dimapur and if the place is fit for children to grow and develop in? “Possibly not,” he concluded, but hoped that the “coming together, our discussions and deliberations will pave way for our child to live freely and grow confidently in Dimapur.”
Childline Dimapur presented a scenario of child right violations in Dimapur. A representative expounded on cases of domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and child protection issues prevalent in Dimapur from April 2011 to September 2012.
Speaking on cases of Rights and Violations, and Status of Conviction, a representative from District Legal Service Authority, Dimapur stated that fast track courts are urgently required, at least in Kohima and Dimapur. “In 2011, Dimapur alone witnessed six major cases,” said the representative. She commented that for fast track courts a sensitive judge is required, adding that many such cases went unreported due to the lack of awareness, social stigma etc. “The congregation here should look at all these factors together and fight this. We should not blame only the investigating agencies or the victim(s),” the representative stated.
Sharing perspectives on behalf of law enforcing agencies, Relo T Aye, SDPO Dimapur spoke out on crime against children and community involvement.
He stated that last year nine cases were registered against rape while sixteen cases of kidnapping were reported. The police officer expressed that there is a tendency to attribute the perpetuators of the crime to a certain community. “We should dispel this attitude that only one community is contributing to these crimes. When, in fact, the whole society is responsible for these acts,” he opined. On the issue of safety of children, he commented, “There is no single solution to this issue on how we can create a safe environment for our child in Dimapur. It would be good if NGOs can establish a regular interface with the police and the community. It’s a time when regular interaction should be established so that stakeholders, police and the community can directly participate in making Dimapur a safe place”.
Dr. Temsula Ao, Chairperson, Nagaland State Women’s Commission stated that she had little idea about the consultation theme when she was invited as a panelist. However, participating in the consultation, she said, “I see how big a problem we are facing”. She directed her message more towards mental abuse, conveying that the subject is not taken seriously. She felt that mental abuse can be from parents’ eagerness to make their child progress. “Are we guilty of abusing our own child for a wrong sense of ambition for them or showing of love,” she asked, and urged the gathering to work together so that “our homes in Dimapur can be safe for our children and also for those children who are living in our homes. Are we being just to them? Do we give them love and guidance while extracting labour from them?”
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Chacko Karinthayil, Parish Priest Holy Cross Dimapur led the gathering in invocation. A special message was read out by Yepli Yephtomi, a student from King David School Dimapur. Vote of thanks was offered by N. K. Keny, Love Care Home Darogapathar and Benediction by Saphrulie Solo, Pastor, The Kingdom Church Chumukedima.
