Emphasize laid to end human trafficking & witch hunting
KOKRAJHAR, JULY 29: Marking the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the district administration, Kokrajhar in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office, Kokrajhar on Tuesday conducted a district kevel campaign to raise awareness on combating human trafficking and end witch hunting among the communities.
The event was carried out under the initiative of SANKALP, DHEW, Mission Shakti, Women & Child Development Department, Assam that saw a good numbers of participants across the district. The programme took place at the Conference Hall of BTC Secretariat, Bodofa Nwgwr in Kokrajhar.
The programme included extensive discussions to sensitize various stakeholders on the pressing issues of human trafficking and witch hunting, and deliberated upon collective efforts needed to eradicate such social evils.
Addressing the gathering, Pami Brahma, Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, government of Bodoland Territorial Council, highlighted the deep-rooted impact of witch hunting on individuals and communities. She emphasized the importance of inter-departmental coordination and stakeholder involvement to combat such practices. “Witch hunting affects lives deeply; it is critical that we address it through legal mechanisms, preventive steps, and robust awareness campaigns,” she remarked. Secretary Brahma also underscored the need to challenge superstitions and wrong practices, noting that even among the educated, resistance to change persists.
Ronal Ekka, Assistant LADC, DLSA, delivered an informative session on the legal provisions related to human trafficking and witch hunting. He elaborated on the rights of victims and the legal recourse available to combat these crimes.
As part of the programme, a short film by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Human Trafficking was screened .
The programme witnessed active participation from District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Jintu Moni Phukan, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), DIPRO, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) from Dotma, Kachugaon, Kokrajhar, Mahamaya, along with representatives from NGOs NEDAN and NERSWN, officials from ASRLM, Supervisors, One Stop Center, Jeevika Sakhi ASRLM and Anganwadi Workers.
