Implementation of developmental programmes in the North-East carries various caveats significant to its sensibilities that automatically sets the region apart from the rest of the states in India. Such glaring distinctions raise imperative questions for us to ponder upon the factors that separate the North East from the rest of the world, even while the region is inordinately blessed with resources including natural beauty.

The Anti-Human trafficking programme in the Northeast has now entered the fourth phase from January 2022 officially. The programme is operational at various levels in the community that includes some major events that take place periodically, in addition to regular activities that contribute to the overall goal of the programme.

The partners in the two states have been contributing at every level. Here are some notable turnouts from the events of Seva Kendra Silchar (SKS), Centre for Development Initiatives CDI) and Itanagar Development Empowerment Association (IDEA)

Seva Kendra Silchar (SKS) on 18^th August 2022 organised stakeholders training in collaboration with the Anti Human trafficking units (AHTU) of Karimganj Bazaricherra Police Station for different groups, viz; VVC, PRI, Youth group and women group. Around 45 people attended the event. The programme was facilitated by Mr. Rajesh Halam. The chief guest and speaker for the day included Officer in Charge Mr. Chiranjeev Bora, and also Mr. Lakahan Das the Anchalik President of Bazaricherra who shared the dais. Mr. Rajesh shared the objectives of the programme and shared the importance of promoting conversations with law enforcers about human trafficking and unsafe migration.

Mr. Chiranjeev Bora the speaker of the day explained the meaning of human trafficking and its different forms including various processes that facilitate the crime to occur. He explained the intimidation tactics employed to exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals by powerful individuals for their monetary benefits.

He spoke of sex trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage, the most common types of trafficking.

Chirajeev also put forth various signs that can assist in identifying if an individual is trafficked. Some of these signs include if the individual is carrying false identity or travel documents

• Show signs that their movement is controlled
• Not know their home or work address
• Have no access to their earnings
• Have limited or no social interaction
• Have limited contact with their families or with those outside of their immediate environment
• Think that they are bonded by debt.

The officer in charge also shared his experience of rescuing 50 children from being trafficked in Golahat when a group disguised as an NGO took these children from their parents promising them a better education. F Fortunately, the police came to know about it, and acted in time to intercept and rescue the children. The officer in charge urged the participants to be very alert as the place they belong to is rife with such incidents. He also advised and encouraged the participants to continue the work of monitoring the migrants regularly to prevent human trafficking.  Also, he assured any help to Seva Kendra Silchar whenever it is required.

Another event of SKS was organised for college and school going students on human trafficking and safe migration that was held on 23^rd August 2022 at Ishabeel Higher Secondary School under Lowairpoa Block, Karimganj district. There were around 183 participants in the programme. Mr. Rajesh Halam, AHT programme community educator spoke on the following points:

• Human Trafficking and its different forms
• Causes of human trafficking
• People most vulnerable for human trafficking
• Students and their role in safeguarding themselves and their community at home, village, and  school
• Identify indicators of potential trafficking situations
• Who can be a trafficker (classmate, neighbour, family friend, acquaintance, boyfriend/girlfriend, or someone you met online)?
• Reporting to parents/ teachers and peer groups if any suspicion also 1098

There is a significant number of individuals from tribal and tea garden communities who migrate to other states for work due to poverty. Mr Ashaabdar Ali, the principal of Ishabeel Hr Secondary School while speaking, quoted an example from three years back in Bazaricherra, where a local agent had taken 30-40 boys to Bangalore with the promise of providing better jobs. Upon reaching there they were not paid any salary.

When some of the boys demanded their salary, they were beaten by the owner.  (This was even covered in the national news) Students have a greater role to play in safeguarding themselves and the community against the menace of human trafficking.  The Principal appreciated and thanked Seva Kendra Silchar and Caritas India for implementing the much-needed programme in the area.

A similar awareness programme for School and college students was organized by the Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI) on 18^th August at Udalguri college, on a host of topics including human trafficking and safe migration, child rights, child labour, child marriage, child abuse and child related issues, use and abuse of technology, internet and bad usages, The programme was conducted in collaboration with the school and college. The speakers and resource persons from CWC, AHTU police, DCPO, UNICEF and the college Principal participated in the event.

Mr. William Mardi one of the CDI staff of Caritas India welcomed and introduced each guest who was felicitated with Boro traditional aronai. Additional superintendent of police Udalguri Dr. Bidyut Das Boro from AHTU was the chief guest and resource person, in his speech mentioned that people are illegally trafficked across the world for malevolent reasons like organ selling, prostitution, slavery, bonded labour, exploitation etc. He encouraged students not to drop out and continue to pursue their academic careers. He urged the students to cooperate with the authorities so trafficking incidents are minimized in their areas, by notifying the police whenever they see anything untoward.

Dr. Luke Daimari, Principal of Udalguri college, asked the students to be careful with using gadgets and consume of technology for constructive purposes so they can advance their career opportunities.

Mr. Gautam Saharia district child protection officer Udalguri educated students about child rights and protecting children from various forms of abuse like child marriage and child labour. He shared with students crucial information regarding child protective services, which includes a toll-free number (1098) for any child in need and 181 for women. The program concluded with a vote of thanks to all the attendees and organisers and with light refreshment.