Srinagar, Oct 19 (JKNS): Stressing the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, technology-driven investigations and victim-centric rehabilitation, Crime Branch J&K on Monday organised a Union Territory-level conference on Anti-Human Trafficking at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, bringing together police officers, judicial representatives, government departments, experts and civil society stakeholders to strengthen the fight against human trafficking.
As per news agency JKNS, On the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Police Headquarters, Jammu & Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K organised a one-day Union Territory-level conference on Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) at Tagore Hall, Srinagar today, with the objective of strengthening the institutional response to human trafficking, enhancing inter-agency coordination and promoting a victim-centric approach to investigation, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration.
The conference was inaugurated by Sarah Rizvi-IPS, IGP Crime J&K, with Sheikh Junaid Mehmood-IPS, CEO-JK4C, as the Guest of Honour.
The conference witnessed participation of DIG-P and all SSsP of Crime Branch J&K, members of JK Judiciary and Social Welfare Department, including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Police nodal officers of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across J&K, Gazetted Officers from Crime Branch, officers from para military forces , representatives of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and students from women college, MA Road, Women College Nawakadal and Police Public School Bemina.
In her keynote address, IGP Crime J&K Sarah Rizvi-IPS, underscored the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and victim-centric response to human trafficking.
She emphasised that the effectiveness of anti-trafficking interventions must be measured not merely by the rescue of victims or registration of cases, but also by their safety, dignity, access to justice, rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration into society.
She also highlighted emerging challenges, particularly cyber-enabled exploitation and cyber slavery, and stressed the importance of strengthening institutional capacities to address the evolving nature of this heinous crime.
The technical sessions featured expert resource persons who delivered valuable presentations on key aspects of human trafficking, its legal framework and emerging trends, investigative challenges, victim protection and rehabilitation.
Dr. Aneeda Jan, Assistant Professor (Law), University of Kashmir, who delivered a session on “Human Trafficking: Legal Framework, Emerging Trends and Challenges,” highlighting the relevant legal provisions, evolving patterns of exploitation and the challenges confronting law enforcement agencies in detecting and investigating trafficking offences.
Dr. Savita Nayar, Professor Jammu University, spoke on “SOP on Missing Persons and Criminal Law and Judicial Intervention with Regard to Human Trafficking in India.”
Her session highlighted the importance of prompt and systematic action in missing-person cases, effective coordination between investigating agencies and the role of criminal law and judicial intervention in securing justice for victims.
Dr. Farooq Ahmad Khan, Programme Manager, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Social Welfare Department, delivered a session on “Victim-Centric Approach: Identification, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.”
He emphasised the need for sensitive identification of victims, coordinated rescue efforts, appropriate care and protection, psychosocial support and sustained rehabilitation to facilitate their safe and dignified reintegration into society.
Kamal Pal Singh Malhotra-IPS, SSP JK4C, addressed the emerging challenge of “Cyber Slavery” drawing attention to the growing role of digital platforms and technology-enabled exploitation in trafficking-related offences and the need to strengthen cyber capabilities, digital investigation and inter-agency cooperation.
The conference provided a valuable platform for police officers, members of judiciary, government departments, civil society organisations and students to exchange experiences, share professional insights and deliberate on practical measures to strengthen the prevention, detection and investigation of human trafficking cases.
The discussions reinforced the importance of timely investigation, effective coordination among Anti-Human Trafficking Units and other stakeholders, protection of victims’ rights, and sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies, government institutions and civil society.
Crime Branch J&K reiterates its commitment to strengthening the institutional response against human trafficking through professional capacity-building, improved inter-agency coordination, technology-enabled investigation and a humane, victim-centric approach, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that traffickers are brought to justice and victims receive the protection, care and support they deserve. (JKNS)
