Assam: Campaign against human trafficking and witch hunting in Bajali

A CORRESPONDENT

BARPETA: An awareness meeting was conducted to observe the ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Bajali, to highlight the urgent need to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals. The programme was held at 86 No. Bichankuchi, MAWC. The session was chaired by Jyoti Kumar Das, District Social Welfare Officer, Bajali, who gave a welcome speech and discussed briefly on the social evils of witch-hunting, which continues to harm many, especially women in rural areas.

Dr Dipti Choudhury, SDM&HO, Bajali, mentioned that witch hunting is a grave violation of human rights, often rooted in ignorance and lack of medical awareness. She said that many symptoms attributed to ‘witchcraft’ were actually treatable health conditions requiring proper medical care. Ananya Bharadwaj, DPM, ASRLM, Bajali, mentioned that witch hunting and human trafficking destroys families and communities and that we must replace fear with facts.

Prajwalita Choudhury, Coordinator, Childline, Bajali, mentioned that superstition had no place in a progressive society and that awareness and education were our strongest weapons against witch hunting.

A public rally was also taken out before the open awareness meeting to raise mass awareness against human trafficking and witch hunting, to educate communities about the dangers and legal consequences of the social evils.

The SHG members, PRI members, ASHA members, AWWs, and other community members also participated in the open meeting as well as the public rally.

The programme concluded with a strong resolution to work together to eradicate the menace of witch hunting and ensure safety and dignity for all, especially women and marginalized groups.

Also Read: Assam: Kokrajhar Unites Against Human Trafficking and Witch-Hunting

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