STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Members of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) met with the Director General of Police, Assam Gyanendra Pratap Singh, on Monday and handed over a memorandum highlighting how key problems, including human trafficking, child labour, child marriages, drugs, illicit liquor, etc., can be controlled in the Adivasi dominated regions of the state. They also mentioned that these social evils and crimes are affecting the Adivasi community’s overall well-being and development, particularly the youth’s future prospects.
Some of the key points suggested by AASAA included an increased presence of police personnel in these villages and tea gardens, as it will act as a deterrent to criminal activities. It would help instill confidence in the community, particularly in women and children, who are vulnerable to crimes such as human trafficking, child labour, child marriages, etc.
They requested that the Assam Police conduct community outreach programmes to educate the Adivasi community about their rights, the law, and the various government schemes and benefits available to them, adding that such outreach programmes would help in building trust between the police and the community and also create awareness about social evils. AASAA also urged Assam Police to collaborate with NGOs working in the Adivasi-inhabited villages and tea gardens, as such collaboration would help in identifying vulnerable sections of the community and addressing their issues effectively.
AASAA further requested the Assam Police to encourage and support sports and education programmes in these areas, as education and sports are crucial for the overall development of the Adivasi community, particularly the youth. They also requested the Assam Police to conduct public awareness campaigns regarding the harmful effects of drugs and alcoholism so as to prevent the youth of the community from falling prey to such addiction.
The organization asked for collaborations between local schools and colleges in such areas with Assam Police, as it will help in creating awareness among the youth regarding their rights and responsibilities and prevent them from engaging in any kind of criminal activity. They also urged encouragement of community participation among the Adivasi community by involving them in various developmental programmes and projects.
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