Shillong,July 31: As part of World Day against trafficking in persons, the Impulse NGO Network in collaboration with Anti Human Trafficking Unit of the Meghalaya police on Monday organized a play “Free Trade” to create awareness about human trafficking and put in efforts to curb the problem.
Through this play on human trafficking and rescue, arranged by Playwright Director, Dr Naomi Bhuyan, the NGO wanted to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for promoting and protecting their rights.
The day was observed at Youth Hostel here, in the presence of police officials and representatives of different social organizations.
Addressing the gathering, Special Superintending of Police (CID) and Nodal Officer for Anti Human Trafficking Unit, Claudia A. Lyngwa termed human trafficking as the “worst kind of business” that caused misery to people.
“People out of their selfish acts tried to become rich by antagonizing others especially the weak and poor. The worst sufferers are women and children from Middle East where the country is in conflict,” Lyngwa said.
She said that mostly women and children are exploited for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex, and children are kept in confined area and made to work for twelve to fourteen hours a day.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, D.N.R Marak said that the state police played a vital role in all kinds of trafficking with special concern on child trafficking.
He said that the police department has a special cell for women and children where Anti Human Trafficking Unit was created in all districts of the state.
He said that special Juvenile Police Unit linked with cases related to missing of children as well as Child Welfare Police Officers exists in all police stations and beat houses which specifically looked after the case of missing children.
Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women and children for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex. Every year, millions of children and women fall into the hands of traffickers, lured by fake promises and deceit.
Impulse NGO network has spread its work to various parts of Northeast, besides North Bengal and countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar.
The NGO lauded the Anti Human Trafficking Unit of the state police for strong partnership and support to the NGO throughout their journey.
Others present on the occasion were Superintendent of Police (City), Vivek Syiem, Impulse NGO Network Board of Director, Rosanna Lyngdoh, playwright Director, Dr Naomi Bhuyan, and students from different colleges.
