Dignitaries and others during legal awareness programme at Khuza village on May 17.
Kohima, May 17 (MExN): Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) in collaboration with District Administration under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti Phek organised legal awareness programme with representatives of ten villages under Tizu area (Khuza, Chepoketa, Ketsapo, Metsale, Suthotsu, Tehephu, khutsokhuno, Sohomi, Kizari and Satheri) at Khuza village on May 17.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Rhosietho Nguori, NCS, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman Mission Shakti, Phek. DC Phek stated that the Mission Shakti focuses on safety, security and empowerment of women. It is meant to provide support and services to women and girls particularly those who are vulnerable or in need of care and protection to achieve their holistic development and empowerment, he said.
Any women and girls can avail assistance in the form of protection, education, legal advice or assistance etc. by approaching District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Phek and Sakhi- One Stop Centre Phek or by Dialing 181 women Helpline number.
The resource person Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, chairperson, Phek DLSA spoke on the laws pertaining to protection of children in India. She stressed on POCSO Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Child Labour Act, Right to Education Act, Juvenile Justice Act and procedures for Adoption of children.
She highlighted that it is a universal law that a person who is below 18 years is considered as a child and has protection under various laws in India. She said that under Phek district, Juveniles who are in conflict with law or who are in need of care and protection must be sent to the designated homes to be taken care of as facilities are available for them.
She also educated the leaders to report to police or dial 1098 on cases of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and not reporting would amount to punishment. She stated that a girl below 18 or boy below 21 should not enter marriage as it is prohibited and is considered child marriage.
She exhorted that getting married at an early age causes a power imbalance to take decisions, tendency to undergo depression, still births of child or miscarriages. She also highlighted procedures to adopted children.
Vethothi Vero, Retainer Lawyer, Phek DLSA spoke on the Legal Services Authority Act and the Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act and the rules for administration of justice and police in Nagaland.
Dr Pritpal Kaur, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Phek, focussed on Cyber Crime. She appraised the gathering to be vigilant about sextortion and financial fraudsters and advised to never receive an OTP from an unknown person and to have a strong password with regard to the banking system. Any person facing cyber related crime can dial 1930 for assistance. She encouraged the gathering not to involve in consumption or smuggling of drugs and alcohol, and, stressed for equality of education both girl and boy child.
The programme was chaired by Kenienuo Swuro, Panel Lawyer, Phek DLSA.
