The Assam government has officially announced a state policy aimed at combating human trafficking and witch-hunting, as stated in a post from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Friday. This policy’s primary objective is to ensure that all individuals can lead lives of equal worth, free from abuse. The notification, which was issued by the governor on May 6, will take effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette. The policy envisions a society where every individual can achieve their full potential and participate equally in both private and public spheres. The mission is clear: to provide a safe and equitable society where people can claim their rights, access services, and live free from violence, while enhancing their capabilities and exerting control over their circumstances. The government emphasizes the need for collaboration among various departments to promote safety and security.
Recognizing that women and girls disproportionately suffer from human trafficking and witch-hunting, the policy highlights the urgent need for intervention. While human trafficking is categorized as an organized crime, witch-hunting is identified as a social crime deeply rooted in harmful cultural practices. Assam’s geographical location, sharing borders with six northeastern states and neighboring Bangladesh and Bhutan, adds to the complexity of these issues. The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2018, classifies witch-hunting as a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offense. Although there has been a decline in reported cases of witch-hunting since this legislation came into force, data from Assam Police indicates that 32 cases were registered between 2022 and 2024, indicating that the problem has not been fully resolved.
In light of these ongoing challenges, the policy advocates for a comprehensive approach to prevention, protection, and rehabilitation for trafficking and witch-hunting survivors. It emphasizes not only the need to uphold survivors’ rights but also to implement strong measures against these crimes and prosecute offenders effectively. The Department of Women and Child Development will serve as the nodal agency for the policy’s implementation, with other departments assigned specific roles as core or allied stakeholders. Furthermore, the establishment of committees at state, district, and gaon panchayat levels is planned to facilitate necessary interventions, ensuring a thorough and coordinated approach to tackling these critical issues.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/govt-notifies-policy-to-combat-human-trafficking-witch-hunting/articleshow/121218778.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-05-17 04:14:00
