In a significant outreach effort aimed at strengthening ties between law enforcement and the community, the Nicobar District Police conducted a Jan Sunwai at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Lapathy, Car Nicobar, on May 31, 2025. The event placed a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and education around pressing social and legal issues, drawing participation from students, teachers, and sports faculty in large numbers.
Organised under the chairmanship of the Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District, the initiative is part of a broader community policing model that seeks to address local challenges by involving younger demographics. During the session, law enforcement officials provided detailed information about existing government schemes, scholarships, career opportunities in sports, and vocational training programs aimed at equipping the island’s youth with pathways to growth and self-reliance.
The event also featured targeted awareness campaigns on multiple social issues. One of the key components was an educational session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The session highlighted legal provisions for the protection of minors and the critical importance of early reporting of abuse, urging participants to treat child safety as a community responsibility.
Another segment of the program tackled drug abuse, with discussions centered on the devastating personal and social consequences of substance addiction. Officials stressed the essential role of families, schools, and civil society in prevention and early intervention. Participants were urged to act as watchdogs in their own communities to help stem the spread of narcotic use among vulnerable groups.
Cybercrime was also addressed in a separate session dedicated to digital safety. Attendees were cautioned about the growing incidence of online fraud, particularly financial scams and identity theft, which often prey on digitally inexperienced users. Police encouraged safe digital practices and offered tips on how to recognise phishing attempts and protect sensitive information. The rise of social media misuse, including harassment and privacy breaches, was another focal point, with advice offered on responsible engagement and digital etiquette.
The outreach concluded with an appeal to the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or crimes. Citizens were once again reminded of available helpline numbers, 112, 03192-265223, and 9531856152, through which they can anonymously report incidents. Officials confirmed that all tip-offs will be handled with the strictest confidentiality, and credible informants will be suitably rewarded.
While Jan Sunwais are not new to the Nicobar Islands, the focus on youth-centric issues and legal education marks a shift in policing strategy from mere enforcement to preventive engagement. Police officials see these sessions as vital in cultivating a law-abiding culture among the younger generation, especially in an era marked by increasing digital threats and substance use.
The Car Nicobar event also underscored the administration’s long-term vision of building a well-informed, resilient, and empowered community. By bringing together law enforcement, educators, and youth under one roof, the event served not only to spread awareness but also to reinforce mutual trust, a key ingredient in the fight against both conventional and emerging threats.
As the administration continues to face challenges unique to island territories, ranging from difficult terrain to limited access to services, initiatives like these reflect a broader push to foster local participation in governance and crime prevention. The Car Nicobar police, through such programs, are aiming to ensure that future citizens are not just law-abiding, but also community-conscious.
