GUWAHATI, July 15 � Wary of the rising instances of women trafficking, the Assam State Commission for Women chairperson Mridula Saharia today stated that the unmanned international borders continue to make North East women vulnerable to cross-border human trafficking.
Saharia, while delivering her speech during a Regional-Level Conference on Trafficking of Women, said, �North East remains a hot-spot of human trafficking as the region shares international borders with China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmaar and Nepal, most of which are open and unmanned, facilitating easy passage in and out of India.�
She also conceded that trafficking networks in Assam has got well established and women and girls are being trafficked to the brothels of Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkota and several other red-light areas within India.
It needs mention here that over 220 cases were registered under the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act in Assam in the last ten years and over 600 persons were arrested in these connections.
Moreover, 109 cases were registered under Indian Penal Code sections during the same period and 143 persons were arrested, the rescue number standing at 93.
�Anti-trafficking measure at the grass root level is at an infant stage and a better coordination between the Government and various other agencies concerned. The focus should be on initiating steps for prevention, rescue rehabilitation and repatriation,� Saharia said.
Hasina Kharbhih of Impulse Network also spoke length on the causes and factors determining the present state-of-affair.
She singled out lack of awareness about unsafe migration as one of the issues which needs to be addressed at the earliest.
ADGP Kula Saikia, who was also present on the occasion, threw light on the legal aspect of the matter.
A host of other noted personalities including first lady of the State Jayanti Patnaik were present in the conference organized by the Assam State Commission for Women in collaboration with the National Commission for Women.
