Srinagar, Apr27: Asserting that the Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy for crime against women and committed to punish the criminal networks or individuals behind this heinous crime, the Lieutenant Governor today said that J&K UT has lowest number of cases of human trafficking and 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,” he added.
Addressing the National Seminar on Anti-Human Trafficking on Thursday here, the Lieutenant Governor shared suggestions on how to effectively deal with the issue. Sinha emphasized the need for holistic and coordinated action by all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, civil society groups, and the youth, to raise awareness, safeguard people from exploitation, and dismantle criminal networks.
He called for anti-human trafficking cells to partner with civil society and youth clubs to prevent trafficking and assist law enforcement agencies in punishing traffickers. Sinha stressed the need for vulnerability-focused responses that target children, women, and displaced persons.
Speaking on the occasion, Sinha asked the anti-human trafficking cells to forge partnerships with youth clubs and civil society groups. “Anti-Human Trafficking cell 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.
He stressed upon the Law enforcement agencies to analyze three important aspects – origin, transit & destination and prepare a Priority Action Plan to strike at the root of Human Trafficking Network. “In order to eradicate this crime, our coordinate response must focus on vulnerable groups such as children, women, labourers, displaced persons and it should be ensured they are identified & sufficiently protected,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Moreover, 202 women’s help desks have been set up in all the police stations of the UT, he further added. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the significant role of security forces in establishing peace in J&K and ensuring safety of the people.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court said, the 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 National Commission for Women, senior officials from civil administration, police & other law enforcement agencies, and civil society members were present.
