Did Tripura government team successfully rescue 24 child labourers from Arunachal Pradesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tripura government team travels to Arunachal Pradesh.
- 24 child labourers rescued from illegal work.
- Families reported missing children to authorities.
- Authorities emphasize the need for humanitarian action.
- Traffickers allegedly denied children their rights.
Agartala, Dec 25 (NationPress) A three-member delegation from the Tripura government departed for Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday to repatriate 24 child labourers and several adult workers, who were reportedly trafficked to the state for illegal employment, according to a minister's statement.
Tripura's Labour, Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy mentioned that the team, consisting of officials from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the Labour Department, and Tripura Police, has commenced its journey from Kailashahar in Unakoti district. The return of the rescued children and adults is anticipated within the next two to three days.
Responding to a request from Tripura Police, the Arunachal Pradesh Police successfully rescued the 24 child labourers and a few adult workers on Wednesday, who were allegedly trafficked for unauthorized work.
A senior Tripura police official revealed that the Arunachal Pradesh authorities notified them late Wednesday about the successful rescue operation.
Families had initially reported that approximately 30 children, alongside some adults, were covertly taken to Arunachal Pradesh. However, investigations later confirmed that only 24 children were forcibly relocated for illegal employment.
According to Tapas Malakar, the Officer-in-Charge of the Kailashahar Police Station in Unakoti district, Tripura Police reached out to their Arunachal counterparts after a missing persons report was filed, seeking assistance to locate the children.
After a formal request from the Tripura government, the Arunachal Pradesh Police undertook an extensive search operation, culminating in the rescue of both the children and the adult workers, Malakar informed the press.
Director General of Tripura Police Anurag communicated with his counterpart in Arunachal Pradesh, Anand Mohan, requesting intervention for the children's rescue.
On December 23, family members of the children had filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Kailashahar Police Station, alleging that the children were mistreated and forced to endure inhumane living conditions, leading to significant mental distress.
“The families are in profound distress and are urgently seeking the safe and prompt return of their loved ones,” Malakar noted, underscoring the humanitarian severity of the situation.
The missing children's parents are employed in tea plantations within Northern Tripura's Unakoti district. Meanwhile, Minister Roy has reached out to Arunachal Pradesh's Commerce and Industries, Labour and Employment Minister Nyato Dukam, requesting his assistance to expedite the children's rescue.
In his correspondence, Roy indicated that around 30 child labourers and a few adult workers were taken from the Rangrung Tea Garden and another estate in Kailashahar to Arunachal Pradesh with promises of wage and benefits. However, the traffickers are accused of denying the children their rightful entitlements.
The Minister further stated that family members alleged that the children faced mistreatment and were forced to live in inhumane conditions, causing serious mental distress and anxiety.
“Given the gravity of the situation and the humanitarian issues involved, I sincerely urge your kind intervention to provide all necessary support for the immediate rescue and safe return of the child labourers to their families in Tripura at the earliest possible time,” Roy emphasized in his letter.