The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has condemned a viral video purportedly showing an elderly man, identified as Biri Tara, allegedly abusing a minor girl.
The Society described the alleged incident as serious and said the safety, dignity and protection of children must remain non-negotiable. It stressed that every child had the right to live free from violence, abuse, intimidation and exploitation.
APWWS appreciated the Itanagar Women Police Station for arresting the accused and called for a swift, impartial and time-bound investigation. It said that if the allegations were established, the accused should face stringent action under applicable child-protection laws.
The Society urged authorities to treat the minor as a survivor requiring protection and support and called for counselling, care, legal assistance and a safe environment throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
It also appealed to the public, social media users and media organisations not to circulate or repost the video or any material that could reveal the child’s identity, warning that such dissemination could violate her privacy and cause further psychological harm.
APWWS called for greater awareness among families, communities, educational institutions and local authorities about child sexual abuse, mandatory reporting and early intervention. It stressed that child protection was a collective responsibility of families, communities and the State and urged authorities to act with urgency and sensitivity.
