Rescue Mission Continues for Tripura Children Allegedly Trafficked to Arunachal
Tripura Tea Garden Children Taken on False Job Promises to Arunchal, Rescue Effort Spans Two States
Agartala Dec 24: An inter-state rescue operation has been launched to trace and recover 30 child labourers from Tripura who were allegedly trafficked to Arunachal Pradesh under the pretext of employment, raising serious concerns over child labour, human trafficking, and worker exploitation in India’s northeastern region.
Acting on a request from the Tripura Police, Arunachal Pradesh Police have initiated a large-scale search to locate the missing children along with a few adult workers who were reportedly taken forcibly for work. The operation follows the registration of a missing persons case at Kailashahar Police Station in Unakoti district.
Officer-in-Charge of Kailashahar Police Station, Tapas Malakar, confirmed that four of the missing labourers have already been traced, while efforts are being intensified to rescue the remaining children and adults. Police teams are coordinating across districts in Arunachal Pradesh to identify workplaces where the victims may have been confined.
The case has drawn attention to the severe humanitarian crisis faced by tea garden families in Unakoti district. Most of the missing children belong to economically disadvantaged households, with their parents working as daily wage labourers in local tea estates. Family members alleged that the children were subjected to physical and psychological abuse and forced to live in degrading conditions, leading to extreme mental distress.
Relatives of the victims lodged an FIR on Tuesday, stating that traffickers lured the children from Rangrung Tea Garden and another nearby estate in Kailashahar by promising regular wages, food, and basic facilities. However, once taken out of the state, the children were allegedly denied their lawful entitlements and subjected to inhuman treatment.
The issue has also prompted political and administrative intervention. Tripura Labour, Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy has written to Arunachal Pradesh’s Commerce and Industries, Labour and Employment Minister Nyato Dukam, seeking immediate support for the rescue and safe repatriation of the children.
In his letter, Roy stressed the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, urging authorities in Arunachal Pradesh to extend full cooperation in tracing the victims and ensuring their early return to Tripura. He also emphasized the need for strict action against those involved in child trafficking and labour exploitation.
Officials said the rescue operation remains ongoing, with both state governments working closely to secure the safety and rehabilitation of the affected children. The incident has once again exposed the vulnerability of tea garden communities and underscored the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to prevent child labour and trafficking across state borders. (With inputs from IANS)