Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Apr 12: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that the state government is actively combating social evils such as witch hunting and human trafficking, aiming to eradicate these practices at their roots.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sarma highlighted the government's comprehensive efforts, saying, “Weeding out social evils from their roots. In Assam, we are coming down heavily on social evils like witch hunting and human trafficking.”
The Assam government has implemented a Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) model, fostering collaboration between the public and the government to ensure a safer environment for all. Central to this effort are the Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), established in 35 districts across the state. These units, equipped with training, technology, and resources, have made significant strides in combating human trafficking.
As a result, more than 700 traffickers have been arrested, and over 900 victims, many of them women and children, have been rescued from exploitation, according to Sarma’s post.
The government’s fight, however, is not just against criminal activities but also against deep-rooted superstitions, with witch hunting being one of the most dangerous practices. This age-old superstition has led to the torture and deaths of many innocent victims, especially in rural areas.
In response, the government passed the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention, and Protection) Act, 2018, which criminalises all aspects of witch hunting. In addition, May 13 has been declared the Day Against Superstitious Beliefs, aiming to raise awareness and prompt social change.
CM Sarma stressed that Assam's approach is not only reactive but proactive, with policies targeting awareness, law enforcement, and community participation. Multi-tiered committees, involving grassroots panchayats and state-level bodies, have been formed to strengthen monitoring and response efforts.
The government has also rolled out prevention frameworks that address both the symptoms and root causes of these social evils, while victim assistance programmes are providing counseling, rehabilitation, and reintegration services, offering survivors a chance at a dignified life.