The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has expressed serious concern over recent incidents of child sexual assault in Longding district and has urged the authorities to expedite justice through fast-track courts. The students’ body also pressed for stronger child protection measures to prevent further such crimes. A delegation of AAPSU, led by its president, general secretary, and women’s wing general secretary Khoda Yallam, along with representatives of the Longding District Students’ Union women’s wing, met Superintendent of Police (SP) Dekio Gumja and Officer-in-Charge T Konia on Wednesday. The team demanded urgent progress in the pending cases, stressing that delays in justice only worsen the trauma of survivors and their families.
According to police officials, the charge sheet in the case involving the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl has already been prepared and was filed on September 16. Investigators confirmed that all necessary evidence has been collected. In another case involving the abuse of a 12-year-old child, the SP assured that the charge sheet would be filed within a week, once the investigation is completed. AAPSU leaders, however, emphasised that filing charge sheets is only the first step. They called for both cases to be taken up on a priority basis in fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and strict punishment for the accused. “Delays in justice processes are unacceptable when it comes to crimes against children,” the union stated.
The union also raised the need for adequate safety arrangements for the survivors. On the same day, the AAPSU team took the step of relocating the 12-year-old survivor to a new residential school, ensuring her safety and education while rehabilitation measures are put in place.
