By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 8: On International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated globally under the themes “Give To Gain”—encouraging mutual support, generosity, and collective advancement toward gender equality, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jyoti Wahlang addressed critical challenges in safeguarding women and children in East Khasi Hills district.
Speaking at a programme organised to mark International Women’s Day at the BJP state office here, Wahlang said the district faces a shortage of women police officers to handle cases related to crimes against women and children, describing the situation as a major challenge for the police.
She said the shortage of women personnel is particularly concerning given that the district has a population of more than 8.2 lakh people.
“Despite the shortage, we remain committed to our duty and will not give up,” she said.
Wahlang, who spoke on laws related to the protection of women and children, particularly the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, noted that cases of violence against women are increasing in the district.
She said that although several laws exist for the protection of women and children, the POCSO Act remains one of the most potent legislations dealing with crimes against minors.
“The police force cannot do everything. Unless the public and other departments cooperate with us, we cannot work alone,” she said, urging people, especially those from rural areas, to participate in awareness programmes to better understand the roles and responsibilities of the police and how to seek help.
Wahlang stressed that the police can only act when cases are reported and noted that many people hesitate to approach police stations because they feel intimidated or believe that money is required to lodge an FIR.
“Many people say that they have to pay money to lodge an FIR, but that is not the case anymore. In every police station, we now have a Women Help Desk to address issues related to women,” she said.
She encouraged the public to come forward and report incidents, adding that the police cannot intervene unless such cases are brought to their notice. She also invited citizens to contact her directly if they face any difficulties while filing an FIR or if they feel the police are not cooperating.
Highlighting the importance of emergency response systems, Wahlang urged the public to make use of the 112 helpline number in times of distress or danger.
Sharing a recent case to underline the importance of timely intervention and compassionate action, Wahlang said the police recently dealt with a woman who had stolen a mobile phone and a laptop.
As the incident occurred late at night, the police could not arrest her immediately since the law under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNNS) prohibits the arrest of a woman after sunset.
Wahlang said that the police coordinated with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and the Social Welfare Department to arrange temporary shelter for the woman at a shelter home until the following morning, after which she was produced before the court.
During interrogation, the woman admitted that she had intentionally committed the theft because she wanted to be sent to jail. Wahlang said she was surprised by the statement and decided to speak with the woman at length to understand her circumstances.
The woman later revealed that she had been married for 15 years and had two children. She said her husband was an alcoholic who later became paralysed, leaving her to take care of him for the past four to five years. Without financial independence and being expected to stay home to care for her husband and in-laws, she felt trapped and overwhelmed.
Wahlang said the woman eventually expressed that she felt temporary peace while staying at the shelter home, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges faced by many women within families.
She stressed that financial independence is crucial for women, noting that the rising cost of living makes it difficult for a single individual to support a family.
Wahlang also pointed out that violence is not limited to women alone, stating that men can also face abuse within households and that the BNNS contains provisions allowing them to seek legal protection.
“If a man feels safe at home, he can also provide safety and stability to the woman and children in the family,” she said.
She further informed that citizens can now file complaints through e-FIR and Zero FIR systems, allowing them to lodge complaints online without physically visiting a police station. Under the Zero FIR system, a complaint can be filed from anywhere and later transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction.
Wahlang also appealed to the public to inform authorities if they come across abandoned or vulnerable children, adding that the police regularly conduct patrols in vulnerable areas to identify children who may require care and protection.
Encouraging women to stand together and support one another, she said, “Women should be strong at home, strong in society and strong for the nation.”
She added that for her, Women’s Day is celebrated every day, as it reflects the multiple roles women play as mothers, professionals and members of society.
Earlier, BJP Mahila Morcha state president Arena Hynniewta strongly condemned the recent assault on a woman in Ri-Bhoi district.
Hynniewta attended the event wearing black attire as a mark of solidarity and to express grief over the increasing incidents of violence against women.
