A single distress call to the Meghalaya government’s CM Connect helpline has triggered a swift interstate rescue operation, bringing a stranded minor safely under protection after alleged exploitation in Jammu and Kashmir,
However, it did not provide complete details on where the child was rescued from or how the minor ended up in Kashmir for the job.
The incident came to light on April 24 when a caller dialled the 1971 helpline — part of the state’s CM Connect initiative — and reported that a child from Meghalaya had been forced to work at a restaurant in Kashmir under abusive conditions.
According to officials quoted in the report, the minor was made to work long hours without pay and was subjected to harassment. Authorities also noted signs of severe emotional distress, including indications of self-harm.
Acting on the input, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat under Conrad K. Sangma escalated the matter and coordinated with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials remained in touch through the night to ensure immediate intervention.
Within hours, a joint team of the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Jammu and Kashmir traced the child and carried out the rescue. The minor has since been shifted to a government shelter home and is safe.
An FIR has been registered in the case, a formal investigation has been initiated, and the employer has been directed to clear all pending wages.
