Manipur Government should Develop Policy and Plan of Action to tackle Human Trafficking and Challenges Faced by North East Migrants in Mega Cities
- North East Support Centre & Helpline -

Imphal, January 31, 2011

All India Christian Council along with North East Support Centre & Helpline concluded series of seminar on human rights, human trafficking and challenges faced by North East migrants in Mega cities of India. Network formed with various NGOs and church bodies to address the issue of human trafficking.

Seminars were held at Dimapur in Nagaland hosted by Dimapur Baptist Pastors Fellowship on January 28, at Kakching hosted by All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations on January 30. Concluding seminar was held today at Adim Jati SC/ST Boys Hostel where over 200 key public and civil society representatives attended.

Dr. Sam Paul, National Secretary for Public Affair of All India Christian Council took sessions on fundamental rights of every citizen of India and challenges of human trafficking. Human trafficking is biggest most profitable organised crime next to drug and arms trafficking, says Dr. Sam Paul.

Human Trafficking agents targets areas affected by communal violence and socio-political conflicts to recruit young men and women. North East India being affected by socio-economic, political and communal violence for last many decades, now trafficking agents have targeted to recruit young men and women with false promise of jobs and free education, say Dr. Sam Paul.

Mr. Madhu Chandra, Spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline took sessions on North East Migrations and Challenges in Mega Cities. Due to socio-economic and political crisis, young generation of North East India started migrating to mega cities in search of employment and better education. They have been exploited in mega cities particularly in Delhi and NCR, says Mr. Madhu Chandra. Challenges of racial discrimination and sexual violence against women from North East India have been a national debate and concern after Dhaula Kuan gangrape case of a Mizo girl on November 23 midnight. Our North Eastern state governments must need to come forward to take up the matter with counterpart of Delhi Government and UPA government, says Mr. Madhu Chandra.

Seminar discussed civil society's role led by Dr. Leban Sertor, Coordinator of Peace Education, Martin Luther Kings University, Shillong. The challenge of human trafficking is greatest challenge the state of Manipur is started facing, it must be addressed by civil society bodies, NGOs and religious groups along with state government.

North Easterners living, studying and working in Delhi and NCR have become easy target for racial attack and sexual violence. They are discriminated by law enforcing agencies, when lodge complaints. Majority of victims are from Manipur state and we appealed Manipur state Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh to note of the suffering his people are facing in Delhi and must take up the matter with concerned government to address the challenges.

All India Christian Council and North East Support Centre & Helpline appeal all religious bodies including churched and mission organisations, civil societies to get involved in addressing the challenges of human trafficking along with government machineries.

The All India Christian Council (www.christiancouncil.in), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The AICC is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) is a joint initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to North East People and tribal communities of other states.

Released by

Rev. N. Debendra Singh
Vice President All India Christian Council, Manipur Branch