KDLSA sensitises students on legal rights

Dimapur, November 4: Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) in collaboration with Young Indian (YI) Nagaland Chapter conducted a legal literacy programme for the students of Government Middle School Jakhama village on November 4 at the Village Panchayat Hall by with panel lawyers Thejapfutuo Khezhie, Neiteo Koza and Vitono Gugu Haralu, member of PLV and YI Nagaland Chapter as resource persons. Speaking on child Rights, Thejapfutuo Khezhie laid emphasis on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Child Labour and Right to Education. He said whoever does wrong to a child for any act which comes within the definition of offences under the POCSO Act is punishable with imprisonment for 2 years or up to life imprisonment. He said POCSO Act is enacted for the protection of children. Stating that every child from 6-14 years should be given free and compulsory education, he, however, said there are still many cases of children working in hotels, roadsides and other places who are denied the right to education. He urged the students to encourage those students who are not attending schools to get themselves enrolled in the government run schools.Ms Vitono Gugu Haralu, while presenting a topic on ‘Child Pep Talk,’ made aware the students on how to protect themselves from becoming victims of child sexual abuse. She told the students that there are four prohibited zones in the body which is private space for all individuals such as mouth, chest, buttock and the parts between the legs. She asked the children to report matter to their parents or trusted persons if they are touched in an appropriate manner which makes them uncomfortable. Resource person Neiteo Koza, while speaking on ‘Cyber Crime and its legal implication,’ said any illegal activity which is committed through the computer, phones and internet amounts to cyber crime. She said cybercrime can be categorised into three groups such as against persons, property and government. She also said harassment via Email, cyber stalking, dissemination of obscene materials, SMS spoofing, phishing and cheating and fraud are on the rise where more and more people are becoming susceptible to them. She said sending offensive messages through communication services for the purpose of causing injury, hurt, enmity, hatred is punishable with 3 years of imprisonment and is liable to fine. She also said whoever involved in identity theft is punishable with 3 years and also liable to fine which can extend to Rs 1 lakh. She urged the students to be careful and use internet or mobile phones strictly under the supervision of their parents and teachers and also advised them to educate their parents on not responding to SMS and emails from unknown sources. Vijay, Chair Young Indian(YI) - Nagaland Chapter, in his short speech, briefed the crowed on the activities of YI and said one their main activities is to encourage young people, students, entrepreneurs and also take initiatives for Swatch Bharat movement. The programme was chaired by Seyiekunu, while the welcome address and vote of thanks were proposed by Swedesuno Zao, Assistant Head Teacher, and Medolekho. Quiz competition was conducted by Keduvi Zhotso, panel lawyer.