Guwhati, Apr 2 : The issue of women trafficking from the Northeast, which is assuming alarming proportions over the years, was today discussed in the Assam Legislative Assembly, with the Government pledging action against anyone involved in it.
AGP MLA Sushilla Hazarika, citing a report published earlier on March 28, raised the issue during the Zero Hour. Cutting across party lines, Hazarika was backed by a number of women MLAs, including Deputy Speaker Pranati Phukan.
State Cabinet Minister Rockybul Hussain, replying on behalf of the Government, informed the House of tough stand taken against women traffickers. Hussain requested the MLAs to inform the police if they find any such cases in their respective constituencies. “We have instructed the SPs to immediately arrest persons involved in such immoral trafficking,” he said, and added: “All district administrations have already been instructed to set up women’s cells and some of the districts have already set them up.”
Against 150 trafficking cases registered between 2001 and 2007 in the State, he said 411 people were arrested and charge sheets filed in 48 cases. Investigations are pending in 82 cases, he added.
Molestation and harassment of North-east students, especially the girls in metropolitan cities, also figured in the discussion, with the minister informing that a DIG was appointed in New Delhi to deal with such cases.
Taking part in the discussion, AGP MLA Alaka Sarma said: “In our recent visit to a jail in the State, we found some undertrials who were arrested for their involvement in women trafficking. They (the undertrials) told us that the Government only arrests them, but for reasons best known to it, the “big bosses”, who are operating the immoral trade from behind the scene, are allowed to go scot-free. So we appeal to the Government to book those who operate flesh trade from behind the scene so as to put an end to the menace.”
Kamali Narzary of the BPF said: “Some people also lure innocent girls from remote areas promising them lucrative jobs, but put them in immoral trade. It is unfortunate that some women are also involved in the racket. Without mass awareness, the menace can’t be checked.”
Deputy Speaker Phukan, participating in the deliberations, highlighted the economic plight and illiteracy of the womenfolk as a major reason for exploitation. She added that women were victims of not only trafficking but also domestic violence. Though legislations are in place to protect them, illiteracy is a major hindrance, she added.
Others who spoke on the issue included Congress MLA Malaya Barman and BPF MLA Kamal Singh Narzary.
Hussain pledged strict action against anyone found involved in human trafficking, including any “prominent and powerful’’ persons. He said a special women’s police station has already been set up in Guwahati, and the CID also has a women’s cell to deal with such issues.
TS
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