SHILLONG, AUG 16: The Meghalaya Government has directed the Police Department to submit recommendations identifying defects in existing laws, implementation challenges, and areas of concern, to enable the state to amend laws as necessary. With regards to the ‘Human Trafficking’.
This directive was issued during a state-level conference on human trafficking, organized by the Meghalaya Police in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong emphasized the need to reassess both central and state laws concerning human trafficking. He stated, “I urge you to thoroughly deliberate on these issues and provide your suggestions to the government. Whether it requires an amendment or an executive notification, the state government will act promptly.”
Tynsong also stressed the importance of involving local administration at the village level, stating that law enforcement alone is insufficient to combat human trafficking. “We need to involve the local administration up to the village level. It is crucial that everyone is involved,” he added.
Law Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh echoed this sentiment, urging the Police Department and the Director General of Police to forward their recommendations to the state government after the conference.
“On behalf of the department of law I urge upon the police department that after this conference that you have where you will sitting and debating, you send your recommendation for the gaps that you see relavant in the matter of application of law,” she said.
“It is essential that the laws are not just on paper but are effective in protecting citizens in distress. We look forward to your recommendations to address any gaps in the application of the law,” Dr. Lyngdoh added.
The conference highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing human trafficking by ensuring that legal frameworks are robust and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable.