Tripura min seeks rescue of 30 child labourers trafficked to Arunachal

Agartala: Tripura labour minister Tinku Roy has reached out to Arunachal Pradesh labour and employment minister, Nyato Dukam, urging immediate intervention for the rescue and safe return of approximately 30 child labourers allegedly trafficked from Tripura.An FIR has been lodged at Kailashahar Police Station in Unakoti district following reports that around 30 children, along with several adults, were taken from the Rangrung Tea Garden and another plantation in the Kalishasan area of Kailashahar to Arunachal Pradesh.Tapas Malakar, the OC of Kailashahar PS, confirmed that an investigation is underway against two individuals, Budhuram Urang and Om Prakash Upadhyay, accused of orchestrating the transfer of minors and youths to employers outside the state. The complaint alleges that these labourers were deceived with promises of fair wages and benefits, only to be denied their rightful earnings.Families have reported that the children are subjected to inhumane treatment, living in deplorable conditions that have caused emotional distress. Emphasising the urgency of the situation, Roy highlighted the families’ despair and their anxious wait for the safe return of their loved ones.Roy has called on the Arunachal Pradesh govt to provide all necessary assistance for the swift rescue and repatriation of the affected individuals, ensuring their rights and welfare are safeguarded. Authorities from both states are collaborating as investigations into this suspected case of trafficking and exploitation continue.According to the families, the troubling situation began on Dec 9, 2025, when a group of young people and minors from the Kalishasan and Rangrung tea garden areas in Rangrung Gram Panchayat began to disappear. The victims reportedly left their homes while their parents were working at the tea estates. Upon attempting to contact their children, parents discovered that they had been taken out of state with promises of monthly wages ranging from Rs 12,000 to Rs 14,000, with an initial payment of Rs 2,000 made before their departure.The families indicate that the victims arrived at their destination late on the night of Dec 12. Upon arrival, the youths reported being moved to isolated forested regions in either Meghalaya or Arunachal Pradesh, where they are allegedly forced to work under harsh conditions in orange-picking plantations.They also reported being deprived of adequate food and living in makeshift polythene shelters during cold weather, lacking proper facilities for bathing or hygiene. It is alleged that they faced physical abuse if oranges fell while they were working and are under constant surveillance, making communication with their families difficult.