In a terribly shocking case of child abuse in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district, Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul reaffirmed the state government’s firm commitment to ensuring children’s rights and welfare. Outcry from the public and demands for reforms echo across Arunachal Pradesh after eight minor girls were physically and sexually abused at a private school in Roing.
The meeting was attended by members of Child welfare committee, District Child protection unit, Child development Project Officer of lowering Dibang Valley district.
During a high-level meeting last Saturday with key child welfare authorities such as the Child Welfare Committee, District Child Protection Unit, and Child Development Project Officer Minister Pul promised full governmental support to the affected children and their families. An official statement verified the state’s readiness for delivering justice and full rehabilitation to the victims of human rights abuse.
Minister Calls for Justice and Healing in Wake of Tragedy
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families. We stand united to ensure justice and healing. No child should ever feel unsafe,” The Minister noted that there was an urgent need to ensure a collective and coordinated institutional response to such incidents.
The alleged perpetrators were awkardly carrying out a frantic sexual assault on 19-year-old migrant worker from Assam, Riaz-Ul-Kurim, as the three victims’ parents gave chase. The defendant was working on a construction site nearby when the mob charged into the police station and snatched him from police protection; the defendant was given a double dose of mob justice-once at the police station, and once while being ferried to the hospital.
Structural Reforms: Implementation of ‘Support Person’ Provision Under POCSO Act
The state cabinet recently approved the adoption of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act’s “Support Person” provision in response to the case’s revelation of systemic flaws. In order to reduce the possibility of re-traumatization, this policy aims to offer child victims procedural and emotional support during police investigations and court hearings.
“Children facing such trauma often feel scared, confused, and isolated,” Pul said. “This important step ensures they receive emotional and procedural support, bringing us closer to a truly child-friendly justice system one that protects, empowers and upholds the dignity of our youngest citizens.”
It is not unexpected that the tragedy in Roing will mushroom into a catalyzing event for taking forward the child protection agenda of Arunachal Pradesh. Introduction of ‘Support Person’ provision is believed to be one of the progressive reforms in making the justice system for minors more accessible, responsive and compassionate.
As the state faces the immediate impact of the abuse and public uproar with it, Minister Pul is strong-willed in her support for child safety, showing the intent of the government to channel rage into reform shifts and policy-making. The framework that is being created by the state is not merely punitive justice but systemic healing and long-term guardianship for vulnerable children.
