By Fr Tom Mangattuthazhe –
The United Christian Forum North East India (UCFNEI), in collaboration with Hope Charitable Foundation (HCF), organised a North-East India Conclave on human trafficking on 22nd August, 2020. The event witnessed active participation from different states of North-East India.
The prime focus of the conclave was the Church pastors, priests, sisters and lay leaders. The main objective of the conclave was to bring together significant participants so as to foster amplified networking.
The meeting began with the prayer of dedication by Rev. Dr. Ramengliana, secretary of UCFNEI.
The moderator of the meeting, Bishop Michael Herenz from Church of North India (CNI), welcomed the participants and panellists to evolve methods to face the challenges of human trafficking.
Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil, president of UCFNEI, in his presidential address said that the Churches in North East India individually and collectively should address the menace of human trafficking in the region.
The keynote address of the day was delivered by Rev. W.C. Khongwir from Presbyterian Church of India (PCI). North-East India being one of the most risk prone areas serves as source and transit place for trafficking as it shares borders with many countries.
The first resource person of the day of was Ms Chrysolyte Sanamanda from (Red Rope). The testimony of Chrysolyte, a young and an energetic fighter of human trafficking in Andhra and South India challenged the participants. The inspiration from the Bible led her to take up the issues of human trafficking, said Chrysolyte.
Fr. Valerian SJ, director, Purvanchal Pragmatic Samaj (PPS), a Jesuit social service society in the North East Region called for grass root level sensitization to arrest the spread of human trafficking. According to him, concentrated efforts by like-minded people in the villages and towns of North-East India can bring a halt to the crime.
Mrs. Anna Barla from 7 Sisters Home, one of the rare rescue homes in the North East India for rescue and rehabilitation, shared the need to rehabilitate girls who are rescued. The society needs to accept them with the love and concern of the Lord Jesus.
Mrs. Joanita Britto Menon from (IJM-International Justice Mission) spoke at length the vast domain of digital platforms accessible to children and the young. Strict vigilantism, use of the legal frameworks of our country and promoting healthy net habits can prevent our children from the trap of human traffickers.
Rev. Arup Saikia from Dispur Baptist Church shared his experience in the context of North East. “There is an urgent need to address this issue,” he felt.
The conclave was organized to augment strategies to combat the menace. The open discussion which followed the presentations were unanimous of the opinion that the fight must be continued with renewed vigour.
The concluding remarks and benediction was done by Rev. Abel Jacob the founder and director of HCF.