A child abuse case was reported in Kalain town of Cachar District of Assam by the tuition teacher.

The Survivor from Kalain Bagan area (Tea Garden area) used to go to Kalain (town) for her tuition but one day the teacher asked her to stay back after the class on the pretext of checking her homework. The accused closed the door and tried to molest her but luckily, she managed to escape and start running on the road.

Some known onlookers identified the girl and informed the parents about the situation. The parents along with the youth and women group immediately lodged the FIR against the accused.

Even before the arrest, the family and friends of the alleged perpetrator offered money for the withdrawal of the case. But with the support of the youth group and women group, the family withstood the temptation and also the threats that followed. And this was how justice was brought and the community who had never dared to fight for their rights, unified with the courage to encounter the attempted case of the girl.

Cachar is one of the implementation areas of ‘Combating Human Trafficking in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh’ Anti-Human Trafficking Phase II programme supported by Caritas India. The programme has made a tremendous change in the mindset and attitude of the community in Kalain Block and Lowairpoa Block.

Over the years, this particular community have developed a complexity and have moulded themselves to be submissive to everything that is happening to them whether good or bad. They have meekly accepted the treatment meted out to them as a written fate and would not bother to change it in any circumstances. The lack of knowledge and guidance, poverty combined with the sense of helplessness together made them feel irrelevant and allow the situation to go on and on.

Through the regular awareness programmes and interactions with the community, Panchayati Raj Institutions and networking with likeminded NGOs and CBOs have helped in building the confidence of this community and make them realise and assimilate their rights. Through the intervention of the project, they have taken a grip on themselves and are acknowledging that their superfluous beliefs were a dent on their growth and development.

This year we have seen several cases where they have started to seek justice for themselves and their community as a whole.

It might not be right to say that their fears and submissive habits have vanished completely, but we are glad to see the gradual changes that are taking place. There were several other incidents where the community began to initiate in taking collective actions to address the social issues within the community. Now, they are much more confident to take forward which is contributing to fulfilling the project goal. The community and Seva Kendra Silchar team are thankful to Caritas India for the support. The impact envisions sustainable hope for brighter future henceforth.