Human trafficking and witch-hunting are significant issues in Assam, and the government has recently taken steps to combat them .
Key Points:
- Government Initiatives: The Assam government has notified a new state policy to combat human trafficking and witch-hunting, demonstrating a commitment to addressing these crimes . The policy aims to provide a safe and equal society where individuals can access services and live free from violence .
- Policy Objectives: The objectives of the policy include preventing human trafficking and witch-hunting, ensuring a victim-friendly approach to rescue and rehabilitation, establishing strong coordination among government departments, and addressing the root causes of witch-hunting, such as lack of education and gender-based discrimination .
- Nodal Department: The Department of Women and Child Development is the nodal department for implementing this policy .
- Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): These units, established in each district by the Ministry of Home Affairs, are responsible for rescuing victims and investigating trafficking cases . A senior police officer, not below the rank of DSP, will handle trafficking cases at the district level . The state will also appoint nodal officers to coordinate efforts .
- Human Trafficking in Assam: Assam is a transit route for migrants, including trafficking victims, due to its location . In 2021, Assam recorded 203 cases of human trafficking, the third highest in India after Telangana and Maharashtra . 460 people were trafficked outside the state that year, the highest in the Northeast . From 2020 to 2024, 690 cases of human trafficking were registered in Assam .
- Witch-Hunting: Witch-hunting involves blaming individuals (usually women) for negative events and can lead to ex-communication, torture, or even death . The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2018, makes witch-hunting a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offense .
- From 2022 to 2024, 32 cases were registered under this act . While cases have reduced since the law was implemented, the crime has not been eradicated .
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