Human trafficking a big blot on any society; time for a united fight in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha

• Says Cases less in J&K compared to other states but can’t wait to see situation worsen; AHTC set up in 11 districts of J&K, remaining 9 district to have it soon; Security Forces doing commendable job to cement peace; Peaceful atmosphere in UT outcome of hard work of security forces

Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that human trafficking is a blot on any society and it was a high time for all the stakeholders to put a united fight against the menace in the UT to root out the trafficking of women and girls.

“Trafficking related cases are far less in J&K compared to other states of the country. This doesn’t mean that we will wait till situation takes ugly turn and becomes a major challenge for us,” LG Sinha said, addressing the National Seminar on Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness by National Commission for Women at SKICC here,

The LG said that as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in year 2021, 18 persons were brought to J&K for labour work. “Three women were brought to J&K in the same year for forcible marriages,” he said, adding, “In 2022, over a dozen persons were rescued in Budgam.” The LG said that the Anti Human Trafficking Cell of J&K managed to bust the gang and rescued all the victims safely

He said that there is a need for a collective approach of law enforcement agencies, stakeholders and the civil society to find out “Origin, transit and destination.”

The LG said that there seems to be an Inter-State network involved in the human trafficking related crimes. “A single unit can’t handle it and police, AHTC, state holders and civil society have to rise to an occasion and fight it out strongly,” he said, adding that “those involved in the trafficking need to be dealt with strongly.”

He said that the J&K administration will further strengthen the prosecuting officers, and ensure synergy among the law enforcement agencies. “In 11 districts of J&K, AHTCs are fully functional and in the remaining nine districts, such cells will soon be set up on priority,” the LG said, adding that women help desks have been set up at 202 police stations across UT.

“In most of the cases related to trafficking in the country, the majority of women were found as victims. Trafficking of women is a direct attack on the woman’s pride, dignity and honur. We will ensure zero-tolerance against crime against women in J&K,” he said.

The LG said that the peaceful atmosphere which is prevailing in J&K at present is the direct outcome of the security forces and their hard work. “The forces are working hard to cement peace and make it a permanent feature in the UT,” he said—(KNO)