Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 12 2008:
In connection with the trafficking of five Zeliangrong girls to Malaysia where they were reportedly subjected to severe hardships and humiliation, the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and the All Zeliangrong Students' Union (AZSU) have started questioning 21 individuals suspected to be involved in trafficking the girls.
Since morning, NPMHR and AZSU questioned the 21 individuals separately at Mt Zion School at Langol Tarung today.
The accused were questioned to ascertain whether they took the girls to Malaysia to provide them jobs there or they took the girls abroad knowing well of the likely hardships the girls would suffer in the foreign country.
The 21 individuals were questioned to establish the roles they took in trafficking the girls, said NPMHR co-ordinator Kinderson Pamei.
After completing the questioning, they may be divided into two groups��one, that sent the girls to Malaysia in the hope of getting jobs there and the other, who sent the girls abroad knowing well of the likely hardships the girls would suffer.
Once they are differentiated, a collective decision will be adopted in consultation with different Naga civil societies on the action that may be taken up against the culprits, Kinderson conveyed.
Appealing to all parents whose daughters are staying outside the State to find out where they are working and what they are doing, Kinderson said that around 100 girls belonging to the State may be at Singapore at present.
All the five girls brought to Imphal yesterday have been handed over to their respective parents.
Moreover, counselling to bring them back to normal life has been initiated, informed the NPMHR co-ordinator.
Once they return to normal lives, they would be asked to spread awareness in their localities so that no more girls fell victim to the crime of human trafficking, Kinderson said.
He further hailed the courage and spirit of the five girls who managed to escape from the hands of their exploitative employers.