Rail routes primary corridors for human trafficking: NCW chief

Dibrugarh: Human trafficking is mostly done through railway routes, with traffickers exploiting the vast network of trains and stations to transport victims right under the noses of unsuspecting passengers and authorities, revealed National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.She made this statement during a media interaction in Dibrugarh on Thursday.Rahatkar said human trafficking has been occurring in some parts of Assam. She added that the NCW is treating the issue with utmost gravity and implementing measures to combat the crime.“NCW has been working seriously to stop the trafficking of women and children. We have seen that the trafficking happens mostly through rail route. Trafficking happens in front of your eyes but you might not recognise it. Traffickers operate in plain sight, making detection particularly challenging. This is why all stakeholders working on anti-trafficking cases must have proper training and awareness,” Rahatkar stated.The NCW chief drew parallels with other states facing similar crises, noting that Jharkhand has been witnessing large-scale trafficking operations. She stressed the urgent necessity to dismantle these criminal networks that prey on vulnerable women and children.She said NCW organised a conference on anti-human trafficking in Dibrugarh on Wednesday, in collaboration with Railway Police Force (RPF) personnel. The initiative aimed to create a unified front against traffickers by bringing together all stakeholders who operate within the railway ecosystem.Rahatkar emphasised the critical role railway employees can play in identifying and preventing trafficking. “Those who are working in railways are very important and they can play a crucial role to stop human-trafficking,” she said, calling for collective action from RPF staff, service providers, shopkeepers inside railway stations, cart pullers, coolies, and NGOs working on railway premises.A major concern raised during the address was the evolving nature of trafficking networks. Rahatkar acknowledged that while agencies like the RPF, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and state police are providing excellent support, the criminals are constantly adapting.“The modus operandi of traffickers is changing every day, which is a significant concern for us. We are working on specialised training to help people identify traffickers and understand their changing tactics. Every individual present at a railway station can play a crucial role in preventing trafficking,” the Rahatkar said.