The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Nagaland State Branch, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in crimes against children in the state, particularly cases involving child abuse and sexual assault, and has called for urgent collective action to strengthen child protection mechanisms.

In a statement, the Pediatricians’ body strongly condemned the growing incidence of violence against children in Nagaland.

According to data cited by the Academy, a total of 52 cases of crimes against children were registered in Nagaland during the last 12 months, marking a 100 per cent increase from the 26 cases reported in the previous year. The child crime rate has also risen significantly from 3.2 to 6.3 cases per lakh population, indicating highlighting a growing threat to the safety and well-being of the children, it stated.

The Academy further highlighted that 18 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act involving 19 child victims were recorded during the same period, underscoring the urgent need for stronger child protection measures.

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“These statistics are not merely numbers. Each case represents a child whose safety, dignity, trust, and childhood have been violated. Protecting children is a collective responsibility,” the IAP said and called upon families, communities, schools, churches, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and society at large to work together to create an environment where every child feels safe, valued, respected, and protected.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Nagaland State Branch, reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights, safety, health, and well-being of every child and called upon all stakeholders to unite in the fight against child abuse and sexual violence.