In view of the rising cases of child abuse in Nagaland in the recent days, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has issued an advisory.

The commission asserted that for any case pertaining to child abuse in any form, it shall be the moral duty of all concerned to report the matter immediately to Child Helpline no. 1098 or enforcement agencies like respective SJPU (Special Juvenile Police Unit), DCPU (District Child Protection Unit), CWC (Child Welfare Committee), Child Helpline in respective Districts or to the nearest police station for filing an FIR (First Information Report).

In an official communique, the commission has directed that the following points be adhered to for strict vigilance in the neighbourhood for the protection and safety of children:

1. Any form of child abuse by anybody, irrespective of parents/guardians, etc., is highly condemnable and therefore should be brought to the notice of the authority concerned to be tried as per the law;
2. It is the paramount duty for every citizen to ensure child safety and protection, as children are the backbone of the nation, and the future lies in their hands;
3. It has been observed that such cases often conclude with negotiation or compromise between the two parties involved, which is strongly discouraged as it indirectly encourages the offenders;
4. Any form of offence has to be punished by any means as per the law;
5. It is advised that the law should not be taken in one’s own hands as it defeats the very purpose of the law adopted for delivering justice to victims against the perpetrators;
6. Under the POCSO Act 2012, offences are non-bailable and cannot be settled through compromise.
7. The media/social media are advised to uphold ethical standards and refrain from revealing the identities of the children involved in any child abuse case.

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The commission issued the advisory in the interest of public consumption in general and the law enforcement agencies and other agencies that deal with child issues. Assuring that it remains firmly committed to protecting every child, the commission stated that it will continue to monitor such cases actively and ensure that justice is meted out swiftly and effectively, and no act of child abuse shall go unnoticed/unpunished under the eye of the commission.