Kokrajhar, 29 July (HS): On the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the District Administration, Kokrajhar, in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office, organized a District Level Campaign to Raise Awareness on Combating Human Trafficking and End Witch Hunting under SANKALP: DHEW, Mission Shakti, Women & Child Development Department, Assam. The programme was held on Tuesday at the Conference Hall of BTC Secretariat, 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, 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.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash