Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday described human trafficking as a challenge, besides drug smuggling and illegal arms trade, saying though it is directly linked to social and economic development, it is not limited to weaker sections of society.
Speaking at the National Seminar on Anti Human Trafficking Awareness organized by National Commission for Women, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and J&K Police, Sinha called upon the society to collectively fight the challenge.
“After drug smuggling and illegal arms trade, human trafficking is a challenge before us. I hope this seminar, along with creating awareness, will also create a roadmap which will help the law enforcement agencies in stopping it,” the LG said.
He said that in the present times, human trafficking was not a small challenge but “an extraordinary one”.
“National and international criminal networks have become a part of this crime. Thousands of innocents suffer because of this. Economically weaker sections of society, women, children, migrants, and the displaced especially are unsafe when it comes to human trafficking,” he added.
Sinha said the society as a whole has to fight together to end human trafficking.
“If the power of every section of society is put together, then this campaign (against human trafficking) will gain momentum. It is our collective responsibility,” he said, adding human trafficking is a huge blot on our society.
“There is a need to centre an integrated approach of stakeholders, along with progressive law enforcement, against those forces whenever there is an apprehension that people could be trafficked. So, apart from rescue and rehabilitation, it is important to focus on its prevention,” Sinha added.
The LG said while it is a reality that human trafficking is directly linked to social and economic development, it is not limited to weaker sections of society or the poor.
“So, the experts on human trafficking investigations and law enforcement officers impress that it is important to deliberate upon its origin, transit and destination so that the network is controlled,” he said.
He also said there is a need to review the approach if criminals take advantage of loopholes in the system.
He said anti-human trafficking cells were active in 11 districts of the Union territory, while in the rest nine, they will be set up very soon.
“Law enforcement agencies, civil society groups, youth and every section of the society must unite to raise awareness of this issue, safeguards people from exploitation, effectively combat this violent crime and to dismantle the criminal network,” he added.
The LG asked the anti-human trafficking cells to forge partnerships with youth clubs and civil society groups.
“Anti-human trafficking cells in the districts require a comprehensive approach and partnership with civil society and youth to prevent trafficking and assist the law enforcement agencies to punish the traffickers. Our small effort can save many innocent people from exploitation,” he said.
The LG stressed upon the law enforcement agencies to analyze three important aspects – origin, transit and destination and prepare a Priority Action Plan to strike at the root of the human trafficking network.
“In order to eradicate this crime, our coordinated response must focus on vulnerable groups such as children, women, labourers, displaced persons and it should be ensured they are identified and sufficiently protected,” the LG said.
He said the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance for crime against women and committed to punish the criminal networks or individuals behind this heinous crime.
“J&K UT has the lowest number of cases of human trafficking. Rescue and rehabilitation is the priority. We are also fully committed to setting up Anti-Human Trafficking Cells in all the districts of J&K. Moreover, 202 women’s help desks have been set up in all the police stations of the UT,” he added.
The LG also highlighted the role of security forces in establishing peace in J&K and ensuring safety of the people.
On the occasion, the LG announced recruitment for the posts of Anganwadi’s Sangini and Sahayika. “More than 4000 appointments will be made in a transparent manner soon. District Commissioners have been directed to complete the recruitment process within one month,” he added.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court said human trafficking mainly affects women and children. “We should focus on the prevention part and the judiciary has a role to play where perpetrators are taken to task,” he added.
Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women stressed upon awareness in the society. Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary reiterated the UT administration’s commitment to eradicate human trafficking.
Members of the National Commission for Women, senior officials from civil administration, police and other law enforcement agencies, and civil society members were present.
