Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Human trafficking in Nagaland is shifting away from traditional exploitation. It is moving into digital territory. Criminal networks now use cybercrime, financial fraud, and money laundering alongside forced labor to trap victims.
Limawabang Jamir, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, confirmed the state serves as a primary source, transit route, and destination for traffickers. He spoke Thursday at the State Institute of Rural Development during an event marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Trafficking in the region historically involved child domestic labor and illegal adoptions masked as education. Now, online crime and financial schemes dominate the threat profile.
The state government is leaning on Mission Shakti to combat the rise in violence. Between April and June 2026, One Stop Centres processed 125 cases of gender-based violence. Women Helpline-181 handled another 53 distress calls during the same period. Total figures for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year hit 178 cases. Six districts now host Shakti Sadans to provide shelter for survivors of domestic violence and POCSO-related crimes.
Data from the 2025-26 financial year shows the scale of the crisis. One Stop Centres managed 311 cases. The Women Helpline received 2,090 calls, with 144 requiring direct intervention. These incidents spanned sexual assault, missing persons, and cybercrime. Social Welfare Director Tosheli Zhimomi noted that staff continue to provide care despite significant delays in salary payments.
Nagaland State Commission for Women Chairperson W. Nginyeih Konyak called for aggressive action during the training session. She stated, "Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery and it is an ongoing tragedy." Konyak pushed for faster communication between the Social Welfare Department, local administration, and police to stop bureaucratic stalling.
The training programme, mandated by the National Commission for Women, brought together frontline workers to synchronize responses. Officials are now pushing for better coordination with Mission Vatsalya to ensure holistic support for survivors. Konyak emphasized that workers must build strong ties with village councils to keep communities vigilant. Rescue is only the first step. Survivors need long-term legal, psychological, and economic aid to prevent being trafficked again.
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