Attach NGOs in every NH check post to screen on human trafficking: MACR to Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 03 2019: Concerned at the revelation that a large number of girls were being trafficked to My anmar through Moreh in the State during the last few months, the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights has appealed to the State Government and the authority concerned to take up necessary measures along the National Highways of the State by attaching trusted NGOs in every check post so as to screen possible human trafficking movement.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Manipur Alliance for Child Rights convenor Montu Ahanthem said that the organisation has been operation in the State since 2005 in collaboration with Child Rights and You Kolkata, and lauded Manipur police, Social Welfare Department and other NGOs concerned which played a major role in the crack down against one of the biggest human trafficking cases in the State.

He lauded S Ibomcha, SP of Tengnoupal and N Ingocha, OC City PS, as well as Manipur police and its Anti-Human Trafficking unit.

He said that during the crackdown, atleast 176 individuals were rescued and FIRs have been lodged against 6 males in the human trafficking case.

The crackdown was extremely risky and relatively cumbersome as the rescued persons and the involved traffickers were Nepalese Nationals and being Nepalese Nationals they enjoy specific safeguards under Article 6 and 7 of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between India and Nepal, he explained.

On the other hand he informed that on checking the register of the Integrated Check Post, more than 300 women were found to have already gone into Myanmar through Moreh during the last 6 months.

Keisham Pradeep, former member of MACR and member of Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said that Manipur has recently emerged as the transit point, source and destination hotspot for human trafficking and the recent bust has shown clearly that Manipur is becoming the most sought after transit point in South East Asian region and added that the Imphal Moreh road is being utilised as the most convenient transit route for such illegal activities.

He stated that the Indo Myanmar and Indo Nepal cross border human trafficking should be dealt with specific standard operating procedures and the Indo Nepal treaty for peace and friendship 1950 should be reviewed.

Facilitation centres managed by the designated creditable NGOs must be attached in every check post along the National Highways of the State to screen for human trafficking, he added.

He then appealed to the State Government to adopt the State Policy for Child 2018 at the earliest and added that the policy was drafted by Child Right and You Kolkata and MACR and was recommended by Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

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