An awareness programme on child marriage and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was conducted on Saturday at Mooshrot village, West Jaintia Hills.
The event was organised by the Mooshrot Village Health Council in collaboration with Barato Police Outpost and Laskein Community Health Centre.
The programme aimed to educate the community about the legal consequences of child marriage and the importance of protecting children from abuse and early marriage.
Wilfred Jala, officer in charge of Barato PO, addressed the gathering on the issues of early marriage and the POCSO Act. He emphasised that child marriage is a punishable offence under the law and has a harmful impact on children’s health, education and well-being.
M Papiah, Counsellor at the Adolescent Friendly Health Clinic, Laskein CHC, spoke about the serious consequences of early marriage. She explained that marrying at a young age can disrupt a child’s natural growth and development and highlighted the emotional shifts, growing independence and vulnerability to early pregnancy that adolescents experience.
The programme also included various activities such as a skit and a football match to engage the community. Other speakers, including village headman Janai Suchiang, chairman VHC B Lathong and community gender health activist Amelia Lyngdoh, encouraged collective community effort in preventing child marriage and promoting adolescent well-being.
