Namchi, October 29 (IPR): Namchi District Police organised an awareness programme on human trafficking at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Namchi, today, with the objective of sensitising the public to the growing concerns surrounding human trafficking and strengthening collective efforts towards its prevention.
The programme was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Namchi Mr Bikash Tiwari, Station House Officer (SHO), Namchi Mr Ashish Bhujel, Sub-Inspectors Mr Sidharth Rai and Ms Sangita Khatiwara, other police personnel, hotel owners and representatives of Sarathi.
The programme aimed to raise public awareness about the various forms of human trafficking, assess preparedness to address trafficking and domestic violence, and highlight the common patterns of control, coercion and abuse associated with these issues. It emphasised the importance of early identification of exploitation, victim support, public vigilance, effective inter-agency coordination and collective responsibility in preventing trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.
During the programme, ASP Namchi Mr Bikash Tiwari, delivered a comprehensive overview of human trafficking, highlighting its various forms, including child labour, bonded labour, sexual exploitation and exploitation through fraudulent employment offers. He cautioned that traffickers often target vulnerable individuals by making false promises of employment, security and improved living conditions.
He further highlighted the risks of human trafficking across Sikkim, North Bengal, the North-eastern region and Nepal, noting that women and children are particularly vulnerable, although individuals of all genders may be affected. He also drew attention to concerns regarding economically disadvantaged individuals from neighbouring areas who are brought to Sikkim through intermediaries for domestic work, sometimes under the promise of education, employment or better opportunities.
Reports of abuse and exploitation in such circumstances, he noted, underline the need for greater public vigilance, the protection of workers’ rights and dignity, and stronger mechanisms to prevent trafficking and safeguard vulnerable individuals.
He stressed that preventing human trafficking is not solely the responsibility of the police and government agencies, but also requires the active participation of citizens, communities and social organisations. He urged the public to report suspicious activities and remain alert to signs of coercion, abuse or exploitation.
He further emphasised that rescued victims must be treated with dignity, compassion and sensitivity, provided with immediate safety and supported by the police and concerned authorities rather than blamed, stigmatised or ostracised.
Highlighting the importance of safeguarding victims’ identities and dignity, particularly those of children and survivors of sexual exploitation, he urged citizens and media representatives to refrain from disclosing identifying information and to share only verified information.
SHO Namchi, Mr Ashish Bhujel, also delivered a detailed presentation on human trafficking, explaining its definition, the operational methods employed by trafficking networks, their objectives and other related aspects. He highlighted the vulnerability of children and girls to trafficking for forced labour, sexual exploitation and other unlawful activities, and drew attention to the serious risks associated with organised trafficking networks.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution when considering employment opportunities or promises of a better life and to verify their authenticity before making decisions. He assured participants that the police remain available to provide guidance and assistance in verifying the legitimacy of such offers.
Participants were encouraged to disseminate the information within their respective departments, workplaces and communities, thereby fostering a shared commitment to preventing human trafficking, identifying potential cases of exploitation and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The public has been encouraged to report suspected cases of human trafficking through the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) at 112, which is available round the clock, or the Child Helpline at 1098 for children in distress. Suspicious activities may also be reported to the concerned police authorities.
Report From DIO Namchi