Fighting human trafficking: a relentless battle in northeast India
A turning point arrived when I attended a conference in West Bengal focused on human trafficking in South Asia. Nervously, I spoke as the youngest participant, addressing the migration and missing children from my state. “That’s human trafficking,” someone in the audience said. The realization hit me like a thunderbolt. The gravity of the situation became clear, and I resolved to take action.
- 2 days ago
December 19, 2024
Hasina Kharbhih interacts with children in a community affected by displacement. | Photo courtesy of Hasina Kharbhih.
SYNTEIN, MEGHALAYA — As a high school student, I decided to start an NGO in my small village. I aimed to strengthen the local economy and stop the migration draining our community of its youth. This decision changed my life in ways I could never have anticipated.
Everywhere I turned, young boys labored on construction sites, and teenage girls left for distant cities to work as domestic help. These scenes deeply troubled me. Reports of missing children began surfacing, with recruiters disappearing without explanation. Newspapers filled with stories of young lives lost or unaccounted for. Although I had no knowledge of the term “human trafficking,” the evidence of something gravely wrong became impossible to ignore.
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The realities of trafficking: from Awareness to Action
Driven by the need to create change, I registered an NGO with my friends. We began modestly, collaborating with local craftsmen to help market their wares. Over time, my friends moved away, leaving one loyal companion to share the weight of our growing mission.
A turning point arrived when I attended a conference in West Bengal focused on human trafficking in South Asia. Nervously, I spoke as the youngest participant, addressing the migration and missing children from my state. “That’s human trafficking,” someone in the audience said. The realization hit me like a thunderbolt. The gravity of the situation became clear, and I resolved to take action. At the conference, I met a woman whose encouragement shaped my journey. She introduced me to resources and networks that deepened my resolve and broadened my understanding.
One pivotal moment came when I encountered a young boy trafficked to work in Meghalaya’s rat-hole coal mines. Lured from his village in Nepal with false promises of money for his family, he found himself trapped in dangerous, exploitative conditions. His story moved me profoundly. Despite enduring horrors, he dreamed of helping others escape similar fates. Together, we planned rescue missions, and our efforts led to the closure of the mine, which had exploited children for decades.
Today, that boy lives a dignified life as a chef. His resilience inspires me daily, reminding me why I dedicate myself to this work. His story encapsulates hope, strength, and the possibility of transformation.
Adapting to evolving threats
Over the years, traffickers shifted their methods. Initially, they lured rural families with false promises of jobs or marriage. As education improved, they turned to educated but vulnerable young women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, trafficking operations escalated. Isolation and poverty drove recruitment and exploitation online, making these crimes harder to track.
We adapted to meet these challenges, learning to navigate the digital world and developing cyber expertise. Strengthening our understanding of the legal system became crucial in effectively combating these evolving crimes.
The work carries significant risks. I have endured countless threats—anonymous calls, warnings to step back, and attempts on my life. One day, while traveling to my village, a truck rammed into my car, killing my driver instantly. Miraculously, I emerged unharmed. As the truck struck, the car door flung open, throwing me out. It felt as though an unseen force had shielded me from harm.
Though physically unscathed, the incident left me deeply shaken. People called me strong, but they did not witness the nights I spent piecing myself back together. Meditation became my anchor, teaching me detachment and helping me find resilience. Instead of giving in to fear, I chose to move forward with renewed determination.
Facing danger head-on reinforced my resolve to protect others from the grip of traffickers. Every challenge sharpened my focus, pushing me to confront an issue that continues to evolve. I refused to let fear dictate my actions, knowing that every life saved is worth the fight. Amid the struggles, moments of triumph fuel my determination.
Each life rebuilt reinforces my belief
Amid the struggles, moments of triumph fuel my determination. Rescuing children from a coal mine stands out as one of the most heartwarming victories. We ensured their rehabilitation and return to school. Today, one of those children thrives in his home country, breaking free from the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Each life rebuilt reinforces my belief that this fight is worth every sacrifice. The threats persist, but so does my resolve. This journey has transformed me from a naïve high schooler into a relentless advocate, committed not only to saving individuals but also to dismantling the systems that enable trafficking.
The fight against human trafficking in Northeast India remains far from over. Yet, resilience, determination, and hope prove stronger than even the darkest challenges. For every child returned to their family and every woman given a second chance, I find renewed strength to continue.
This work is not just a mission—it defines my life’s purpose. Standing firm in the face of danger, I know each small victory brings us closer to a future where no one falls prey to trafficking. As long as lives remain at risk, I will keep fighting, driven by the belief that change is possible, and every life saved matters.
