In a significant step towards enhancing child protection in Arunachal Pradesh, renowned actor, model, and entrepreneur Chum Darang has been officially appointed as the Child Safety Ambassador for Project Muskaan, an innovative initiative by the East Siang District Police. The appointment ceremony, held on Saturday, underscores the growing collaboration between public figures and law enforcement to foster a safer environment for schoolchildren across the district.
Project Muskaan, launched on November 11, 2025, is a comprehensive child safety programme designed to empower young students through awareness and sensitisation drives. It focuses on critical topics such as distinguishing between Good Touch and Bad Touch, understanding legal safeguards under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act, preventing bullying, and promoting online safety. Trained police teams visit schools weekly to engage with students, conduct interactive sessions, and encourage the use of emergency reporting mechanisms.
To date, the project has reached 55 out of 69 schools in East Siang, installing Police Complaint Boxes in each and impacting over 8,300 students. These efforts aim to create a vigilant network where children feel safe voicing concerns, while also educating parents, teachers, and communities on their roles in child welfare.
Darang’s Pivotal Role in Amplifying Outreach
Chum Darang, celebrated for her contributions to Arunachal’s cultural and entertainment landscape, brings a relatable voice to the initiative. Her appointment is poised to bridge the gap between police efforts and youth engagement, leveraging her influence to inspire confidence among children and encourage proactive reporting of potential risks.
Authorities believe Darang’s involvement will significantly amplify the initiative’s outreach, motivating more students to come forward with concerns and fostering a culture of collective responsibility. “The induction of Ms. Darang is expected to significantly amplify the initiative’s outreach… Authorities believe her involvement will encourage more students to come forward with concerns,” an official statement noted.
Welcoming her to the fold, the East Siang Police emphasised that Darang’s participation marks a key milestone in building a safer environment for children across the district.
Ceremony Highlights and Key Attendees
The appointment event was graced by senior police officials, highlighting the administration’s commitment to the cause:
- Pankaj Lamba, IPS, Superintendent of Police, East Siang
- Smty Garima, IPS, Commanding Officer, 5th IRBn
- Dr. Akanksha, IPS, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Pasighat
- Ayup Boko, Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ)
- Smty Amum Panyang, Officer-in-Charge, Women Police Station
- Other district police personnel
Darang expressed her honour in taking up the role, pledging to use her platform to advocate for child rights and safety. The ceremony concluded with discussions on expanding Project Muskaan’s footprint, including potential digital campaigns and community workshops.
Broader Impact on Child Safety in Arunachal
This collaboration reflects a proactive shift in Arunachal’s approach to child protection, integrating celebrity advocacy with grassroots policing. As East Siang Police continue their school outreach, Darang’s ambassadorship is expected to inspire similar initiatives in neighbouring districts, ensuring that every child in the state grows up in a secure and supportive environment.
Project Muskaan’s success so far demonstrates the power of community-police partnerships in addressing vulnerabilities, setting a model for holistic child welfare in the Northeast.
(Source: India Today NE)
