Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Aug 21: Special DG Coordination PHQ, S.J.M. Gillani, on Thursday called for a holistic approach to tackling human trafficking, underlining that security today goes beyond territorial integrity to encompass the safety and dignity of citizens.
Addressing the Union Territory level conference on Anti-Human Trafficking organized by Crime Branch of J&K Police in collaboration with Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Academy of Art Culture and Languages here, the Special DG, who was also the chief guest on the occasion said, “Trafficking is one of the most profitable organized crimes after drug trade.”
Unlike narcotics, he noted, victims of human trafficking are repeatedly exploited, often forced into transporting drugs and engaging in other illicit activities. “Human trafficking intersects with other forms of organized crime because traffickers use the same networks as those smuggling drugs and arms. What sets it apart is the human cost—shattered lives, broken families and long-lasting trauma,” Gillani observed.
Pointing to India’s porous borders and conflict-prone regions as vulnerable zones, he stressed that prevention must be at the heart of anti-trafficking strategies. “Educated, economically secure and rights-aware communities are less vulnerable to exploitation,” he said.
Gillani highlighted that while India has a strong legal framework in place, conviction rates remain low due to weak enforcement, procedural delays and corruption, reflecting a global trend. He said effective implementation of laws, backed by empathy from enforcement agencies and awareness among citizens, was crucial to reversing the tide.
He also underscored the role of technology, calling for advanced surveillance tools and data-driven interventions to strengthen the response to trafficking. “We all know, laws alone are not enough. It is the spirit of their implementation, the empathy of our enforcers and the awareness of our citizens that will truly turn the tide,” Gilani said.
The Special DG commended the coordinated efforts of J&K Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, NGOs and other stakeholders, noting that their work aligns with the Government of India’s broader initiatives such as the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, strengthening of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across states, and programs like Operation Muskan.
“Together, through coordinated enforcement, community partnership and a holistic focus on human security, we can make a lasting difference,” he concluded.
Additional Director General of Police & Director Fire & Emergency Services, Alok Kumar in his address underlined that human trafficking is closely linked to the worldwide phenomenon of black money. He observed that despite strong laws and international conventions, the crime continues to increase.
Stressing that combating trafficking must be a continuous process, he emphasized the importance of leveraging social media as a tool for awareness, involving local communities and sensitising people about the strategies traffickers use. He also highlighted the need for deterrence through exemplary punishment to discourage offenders.
Convenor, Just Rights for Children, Ravi Kant in his speech highlighted that traffickers often exploit gaps in the enforcement chain. He pointing out that while the Government of India is strengthening legal frameworks, the scale and networks involved make it difficult to arrest and prosecute high-level traffickers.
Ravi Kant called for a comprehensive approach that not only tightens laws but also ensures effective enforcement, stronger victim protection measures and collaboration between police, civil society, and international agencies.
He noted that Anti-Human Trafficking Units and law enforcement agencies already have the necessary powers and relevant laws to act effectively. “If we look beneath the surface, we see that trafficking is highly organised — but so too is the fight against it,” he said, commending the work being done by the Jammu & Kashmir Police in tackling this grave crime.
Resource person Rajesh Mani, a noted expert trainer (Human trafficking) shared his expertise on prevention, victim support and coordinated response mechanisms.
During his presentation, he said that human trafficking is a heinous and organised crime and highlighted best practices, challenges and the need for a multi-agency approach in effectively addressing human trafficking.
Earlier, IGP Crime Sujit Kumar in his welcome address said that we have to come together in this noble mission to fight human trafficking and urged upon the youth to benefit from the knowledge and awareness shared during the conference.
The conference was attended by the senior police officials, government representatives, experts, NGO’s, legal experts and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies, challenges and collaborative measures to combat human trafficking.
The conference was organized under the guidance of DIG Crime Branch, J&K and overall supervision of IGP Crime J&K.
Top officers who attended the conference included Uttam Chand, IPS IGP Hqrs. PHQ, Judicial Officers, Senior Officers from PHQ, various Govt Departments viz Social Welfare Department, Women and Child Development Departments, Labour Department, students from faculty of law Kashmir University, students from various colleges/schools, Border Guiding Officers (BSF), NGOs, Nodal Police Officers of AHTU J&K, attended the conference.
Rajesh Mani Expert trainer, Human Trafficking, Consultant, India for children and Ravi Kant, Advocate Supreme Court of India, Founder Shakti Vahini and National Convener, Just Rights for Children, who participated in the conference put their valuable points/ suggestions through lectures/ PPTs to break all shackle on human trafficking. The conference provided a platform for stakeholder who shared their experience and expertise in combating human trafficking and identifying effective strategies to prevent and support victims.
Mementoes were presented to the Chief Guest and other speakers. At the end of Conference, Mohammad Faisal Qureshi, SO to IGP Crime presented vote of thanks to the all guests and participants.
