Trafficking of girls and women in State is negligible: Lyngdoh

A CORRESPONDENT

Shillong, Sept 14: The state Home Minister, HDR Lyngdoh today said that cases of trafficking of girls and women in the state, is negligible.

Lyngdoh made this statement while replying during the Question Hour during the autumn session of the Meghalaya assembly.

As per data available with the department from the year 2012 to August 2016 a total of 18 cases of trafficking of girls and women were reported.

According to the year wise break up, in the year 2012 there were six cases reported, in 2013 there were five reported cases in 2014 there were four cases in 2015 two cases were registered while this year upto August, one case of trafficking of girls and women was reported.

The Home Minister also informed that investigations in all the cases have been completed and are now in the courts for trial.

United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Mawlai, Embhahlang Syiemlieh while appreciating the effort of the police department, however said that in one semir held in Kolkata an NGO stated that there was a rise in women trafficked from Meghalaya and other north eastern states.

The Home Minister said that the claim of the organization was “wrong information”, to which, Syiemlieh asked if the state government would correct the statement made by the NGO.

Echoing similar concern, HSPDP chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit said how any organizations can be allowed to paint Meghalaya with such a picture adding the government needs to send a strong message that such organization should verify such facts.

On this, Lyngdoh said that the matter is yet to be assessed whether in that semir such mention was made on the rise in women trafficking.

On this, the minister who claimed that the victims have been rescued and traced said the matter is yet to be assessed whether in that semir such mention made on the rise in women trafficking.

Earlier, the Home Minister informed that Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) have been set up in four districts of East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi district, West Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills.

Lyngdoh also informed that Special Police Officers have been appointed under the provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 to deal with the issue of human trafficking.

The Home Minister also said that the Superintendents of Police have been instructed to verify job placement agencies and their addresses to cross check the factual position and to ascertain that no persons from the state are trafficked.