The Nagaland NGO Forum (NNF) and the Nagaland Schools’ Alliance (NSA), backed by participants of a Community Stakeholder Consultation on Child Protection held in Dimapur on Tuesday submitted a representation to the Governor of Nagaland and the Chief Minister, urging immediate and comprehensive government action to strengthen child protection systems across the state.
The representation, signed by NNF President, Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema and NSA Executive Member Noune Kire, was prompted by the recent alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl in Dimapur, who reportedly endured repeated abuse for nearly a year at the hands of a guardian entrusted with her care.
Describing the incident as a “cry that demands a response,” the organizations stated that the case exposed serious systemic gaps in child protection mechanisms and underscored the urgent need for stronger safeguards, institutional accountability, and survivor support systems.
The representation noted that the child had suffered in silence for twelve months before finding the courage to speak out. While commending her bravery, the organizations stressed that justice for the survivor must be accompanied by meaningful reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Referring to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the organizations emphasized that the State has a legal and moral obligation to ensure child-friendly investigations, survivor rehabilitation, and strict enforcement of child protection laws.
Among the key demands placed before the government was a call for the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR), and the Nagaland State Commission for Women to closely monitor the ongoing case and ensure a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation free from any socio-political or professional influence.
The representation also sought comprehensive support for the survivor, including free legal aid, medical treatment, trauma counselling, educational continuity, rehabilitation assistance, and timely compensation under relevant victim support schemes. It further urged the immediate operationalisation of a dedicated One-Stop Crisis Centre in Dimapur to provide integrated support services to survivors.
To address broader institutional shortcomings, NNF and NSA called for the mandatory adoption of Child Protection Policies (CPPs) in all schools, colleges, residential institutions, childcare homes, and guardianship arrangements across Nagaland, with annual compliance audits conducted by competent authorities.
The organizations also proposed the creation of a State-Level Child Abuse Review Committee comprising representatives from government departments, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, and the judiciary. The proposed committee would review reported child abuse cases, identify systemic gaps, and publish quarterly public accountability reports.
Recognizing the need for community-level vigilance, the representation recommended the deployment of trained Child Welfare Watchers in every village, ward, and colony across Nagaland, linked directly to CHILDLINE services and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs).
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The signatories further appealed for a substantial increase in budgetary allocations for child protection programmes, survivor rehabilitation initiatives, and the strengthening of District Child Protection Units throughout the state.
In addition, the organizations urged the government to launch a sustained statewide awareness campaign involving schools, churches, media organizations, and community institutions to combat stigma surrounding child sexual abuse and encourage reporting of offences.
A major focus of the representation was the need to improve infrastructure for Child Welfare Committees (CWCs). The organizations observed that many CWCs currently function from rented residential premises lacking adequate facilities for handling sensitive child protection cases.
To address this, they proposed the establishment of permanent and purpose-built CWC facilities in every district headquarters, equipped with child-friendly counselling rooms, separate waiting areas, legal aid spaces, integrated crisis shelters, and multidisciplinary support services. They also called for the creation of long-term rehabilitation centres to support child survivors requiring extended psychological, medical, and social care.
The organizations stated that many families lack the resources or capacity to provide specialized care for traumatized children, making it essential for the State to assume a greater role in ensuring long-term recovery and reintegration.
The organizations further appealed to the conscience and leadership of the state government, asserting that its response to the issue would demonstrate the State’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
“When one child suffers in silence, the conscience of an entire community is on trial,” the representation stated, urging authorities to act with urgency, compassion, and resolve.
