Guwahati: At least 19 children, majority below eight years, who became victims of trafficking due to poor financial condition of their parents living in interior areas in hilly Arunachal Pradesh, have been rescued by pol…

Guwahati: At least 19 children, majority below eight years, who became victims of trafficking due to poor financial condition of their parents living in interior areas in hilly Arunachal Pradesh, have been rescued by police in the past 48-hours.Police also arrested three women, who allegedly procured the children with money and promise of better care and education and illegally engaged them as domestic help and child labour across the hilly state.Borders neglected in past, top priority for Modi govt now: Kiren Rijiju on Chinese intrusion in Arunachal PradeshThe children were rescued by police in Namsai district from different remote locations in Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding. The racket was busted following an investigation into a complaint lodged by the Child Welfare Committee, Namsai, police said on Monday evening. The state police had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following the complaint lodged on August 17. The arrested women, Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete and Neha Gerory, acted as facilitators or brokers in lieu of commission, police said. Modus operandi: Police said investigation so far indicated that economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached with assurances of better education, care and upbringing for their children. “The children were thereafter allegedly procured, transported and placed with different persons at distant locations. The investigation has also revealed instances where some parents/guardians allegedly received monetary consideration in connection with handing over their children,” police said. ‘Child’s play for me, Rahul may need training’: ‘Khiladi’ Rijiju on swimming in Arunachal riversThe amount of money ranged between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000, police said. “A majority of the recovered children are reportedly below eight years of age. During preliminary interaction, some were unable to recall even their parents’ names or basic details of their families. The youngest child was just three years at the time of procurement/placement,” police further said.Police said the rescue of the children suggest that poverty was one of the major reasons that prompted parents to hand over their children in lieu of money. “We are continuing our search for resuce of similar children. Parents and guardians who may have handed over their children through any intermediary or facilitator are also requested to come forward and provide information.”

Source: Deccan Herald