Staff Reporter
DIPHU, Jul 30: A three-day awareness campaign under the Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW) was conducted across Karbi Anglong district from 28th to 30th July, focusing on the eradication of human trafficking, superstitions, and harmful social practices, including witch-hunting. The initiative was part of a statewide campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The campaign saw active participation from key grassroots workers and community influencers at both the district and block levels. Attendees included Village Defence Committees (VDCs), Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), ICDS supervisors, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), ASHA workers, and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
Resource persons from the local police stations and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) facilitated the sessions, delivering informative talks on existing laws and legal provisions related to human trafficking, exploitation, and other illegal practices. Participants were urged to support the administration in identifying and curbing such activities in their respective areas.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Richard Bailung spoke at length about the prevalence of witch-hunting cases in certain pockets of the district and stressed the need for greater vigilance and timely reporting. He encouraged participants to not hesitate in seeking administrative support when dealing with such issues.
Assistant Commissioner Moemenla Ao also addressed the gathering, highlighting the crucial role played by AWWs and ASHA workers in spreading awareness and changing community mindsets. She noted that only through collective effort and community-based interventions can such regressive practices be eliminated.
The campaign concluded with rallies organised at the block level, reinforcing messages of social reform and legal awareness. Dignitaries and officials at the events reiterated that the support of frontline workers is essential for the success of such initiatives at the grassroots.