KHONSA, SEP 14:
The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Tirap, conducted a two-day Child Rights Awareness and Child Welfare Assessment Campaign in Khonsa on Monday under the theme “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child.”
The campaign brought together students, parents, teachers, Anganwadi workers and community members, with discussions focusing on child safety, protection, education, mental health, bullying, substance abuse and online risks.
Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik described child abuse as one of the most serious challenges facing the State and stressed that both boys and girls are vulnerable. He said awareness and early sensitisation were essential to help children recognise and respond to unsafe situations.
He emphasised that parents are the first line of protection, while schools and other institutions must ensure the safety and rights of children. He also underlined the importance of building trust and emotional bonding between children and adults so that children feel secure enough to speak about abuse or other problems.
Khonsa Block ZPM Necha Wangsu stressed the need to report cases of abuse, particularly those involving girl children. Drawing on her seven years of experience with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), she said stigma and lack of awareness continued to keep many cases unreported and urged families and communities to remain vigilant and act promptly.
APSCPCR Member Ngurang Achung explained the role of the Commission as a monitoring body dealing with cases, policies and issues concerning children. He said nearly 90 per cent of cases taken up by the Commission are suo motu, with many being brought to its notice through social media.
Achung said the Commission works closely with police and CWCs and conducts mandatory personal inquiries in serious cases. Expressing concern over the continuing prevalence of child labour in the Tirap, Longding and Changlang (TLC) region, he remarked that “books should replace utensils in the hands of children.” He also explained the procedure parents can follow for reporting child-related issues through appropriate legal channels.
The campaign featured interactive sessions on various aspects of child rights and protection. Monglin Mongwang spoke on the Right to Education (RTE), school safety and bullying, while CWC Chairperson Advocate Nakap Matey covered the Juvenile Justice Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child labour and child marriage. Clinical Psychologist Nita Tangha addressed mental health and substance abuse, and Khonsa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector K Techi spoke on cyber safety, misuse of social media and online gaming addiction.
The campaign stressed that child protection is a collective responsibility requiring awareness, empathy, vigilance and timely action from families, institutions and the wider community.
