LAMKA, May 29: The Manipur Alliance for Child Rights, Churachandpur Chapter (MACR-CC) organised a one day consultative meeting on Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act, Substance Abuse Act and the role of media in relation to the laws.
The district’s SP, Kabib, while speaking as a resource person said that the children are safeguarded by the law and in this regards, the police have special justice units led by SI/ASI rank officers, particularly women personnel.
The role of the society and the media on the issue are very important, he said before appealing to all to take active roles.
The SP said it is a sensitive issue, any victim or accused, i.e juvenile in conflict with the law, need to be handled with utmost care.
He said a police shouldn’t be in his official uniforms rather should be in civvies, while handling the victims or accused.
Woman police are more preferred during such cases, he said and added the personnel should act according to the convenience of the child.
And even if such an accused is found guilty, he or she should be put in an observation home and not in one run by the police.
IFP Group Editor, Pradip Phanjoubam speaking on the topic ‘role of media’ said the media persons need to be committed in their work, as competition is high.
He said the impression that the media/ press know it all is a wrong conception and further suggested organising of periodical refresher courses.
He also said that the practice of printing the details and pictures of juveniles is wrong and call for stern actions.
The other resource person, Pishak, head of the New Life Foundation and the secretary of MACR and a noted activist of child rights said the public need to be more aware of the JJ Act, and learn more of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
MACR- CC rev Dr Nicky said substance abuse is one root cause of disorder in the district, and all should be part of the fight to eradicate such evils.
Retrospection, introspection and action are the need of the hour, he expressed.
He further lauded all those who are attending the meeting and commended the Khuga Company Station of the Red Shield Division and its CO Colonel Anil.
Secy info and pub, MACR-CC Alex Guite gave the vote of thanks, and express thankfulness to the participant media persons, and then the resource persons.
He further thanked Khuga Company col Anil for his help in organising the meeting, DC PK Jha for allowing the use of the District Training Centre and others.
