buying and selling of girls acorss borders a study report by prantakatha for sanlaap

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CROSS BORDER TRAFFICKING AND REPATRIATION IN NORTH BENGAL

A SITUATIONAL REPORT

For Sanlaap

By

Prantakatha

Introduction

The focus of most of the major studies on cross border trafficking so far has been the southern region of West Bengal. The reason for this is quite obvious. Kolkata serves as a hub of all such nefarious and exploitive activities. It is also a convenient stop for traffickers from neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal, known sources in the "supply" line. All players and stakeholders in this field use this city as their base and a transit point as well. From the point of view of data collection and in-depth studies, it is convenient and economical to concentrate on nearby districts like North and South 24 Paraganas. The border districts of North Bengal e.g., Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, and Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur were almost left out of any comprehensive enquiry on the nature and magnitude of cross border trafficking. One of the most vulnerable points about North Bengal is that it has 14 entry points with Nepal. Almost 30 per cent of the porous border is riverine. Safe Migration Project which operates in some of the districts in South Bengal has not yet been introduced in North Bengal.

Objective

The objective of this situational analysis is to fill in this gap in coverage of North Bengal which has around 1500 km of international border with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. This may be considered as a primary step towards building up a foundation of strong database for statistical analysis and integrated information in future on the issues of cross border trafficking and modes of repatriation.

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Universe

Five border districts of were selected: Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad. Two separate border areas/transit points in each district were chosen.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire was prepared with the objective of capturing different dimensions of cross border trafficking together with the modes and frequency of repatriation. The questions related to the following points:

Length of border in the concerned district with and without fence Transit points used for cross border trafficking Number of repatriation /push back cases and the extent of

involvement of NGOs in the process Repatriation of Indian girls from Bangladesh and their integration with

the mainstream of the society. Frequency and routes of migration and costs involved when it takes

place without valid documents. Number of girls reported missing in police stations at identified transit

points. Number of Bangladeshi girls reported found in police stations at

identified transit points. Level of awareness about risks involved in illegal migration among

villagers near transit points Number of traffickers by the police at transit points Sensitivity of the local administration with respect to cross border

trafficking.

Sources of Information

Community based organizations and individuals who have work experience on issues concerning women and children were engaged in filling up the questionnaire. The interviewer gathered information at the village level near transit points on one-to-one basis from ordinary villagers, members of Gram Panchayat, primary school teachers, government officials and BSF personnel.

Period

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December, 2009 – May, 2010

Difficulties

For most of the CBOs and individuals this was the first ever attempt to collect this type of information.

The study could not have been based on a broader area covering more transit points within a district due to the lack of infrastructure, trained investigators and above all sufficient financial resources required for such a survey.

Trafficking in women and children is a highly sensitive issue. Most of the respondents are usually reluctant to disclose anything and they could not be pushed for detailed information. This is equally true for administrative and BSF personnel.

Cross boarder trafficking situation in Jalpaiguri

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Jalpaiguri district (Bengali: জলপা�ইগুড়ি� জেজল� Jôlpaiguṛi) is the largest district of North Bengal, covering an area 6,245 km2. It is situated between 26° 16' and 27° 0' North latitudes and 88° 4' and 89° 53' East longitudes. The district was established in 1869.

The headquarters of the district are at Jalpaiguri town, which is also the divisional headquarter of north Bengal and has its special importance in respect of tourism, forest, hills, tea gardens, scenic beauty and a wide variety of tribes like the Totos, etc.

Questions JalpaiguriWhat is the length of border with Bangladesh in your district?(mention the name of boarder areas)

52 Kms - Haldibari, Mekhligunz

Is that area completely covered with fencing? If not, please mention areas uncovered

Not Totally Covered35 Kms

What are the transit points in your district with respect to cross boarder trafficking?

Mekhligunje

How many repatriation/push back happened through this boarder in last one year?

10 - 12 per month

Which has been the NGOs involved in this repatriation process in your district?

Very few

Is there any girl of Indian origin who has come back from Bangladesh through repatriation in last one year?

No information

If any repatriation from Bangladesh happened to India how the girl is reintegrated in the community?

Kusuli Tudu was brought to a village of Mekhligunge. Local villagers resist the trafficker and the girl was sent to her house.

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How frequent the migration happens over the border from villages near to boarders?

It happens everyday night. In any case if there is any problem occurs in borders the process stops for some days only. Some local people are engaged in this work.

What is the cost involved for one person to cross boarder without valid documents?

Rs 500 to 1000 per person

What is the route of migration over border? through lands, Fish Trawlers etc

In last one year how many girls have been reported missing in police stations at the identified transit points?

Very limited complaints in police stations at transit points. In any of the cases J.J.Act was not applied.

In last one year how many girls have been reported found having Bangladeshi origin in police stations at the identified transit points?

11 girls are reported to be Bangladeshi

What is the level of awareness among villagers at transit points regarding the risk of illegal migration?

only the people related with local administrations and panchayets are little aware in this regard

How many persons allegedly traffickers have been arrested by Police from transit points?

No Trafficker was arrested. Some time special cases are made in this issue

How sensitized is the local administration with respect to cross boarder trafficking?

Only 1 or 2 officers who got training previously knows about this.

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Cross boarder trafficking situation in Maldah

Malda district (Bengali: মা�লদা� জেজল�) is a district of the Indian state of West Bengal. It lies 347 kilometers northnorth of Kolkata, the state capital. This district is notable for the production of mango and silk. The folk culture of gombhira is a feature of the district, being a unique way of representation of joy and sorrow of daily life of the common people, as well as the unique medium of presentation on national and international matters.

District headquarters is English Bazar, also known as Malda, which was once the capital of Bengal. The district maintains the tradition of the past in culture and education. Old Maldah, the

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town which lies just east of the confluence of the Mahananda and Kalindi rivers, is part of the English Bazar urban agglomeration. The town rose to prominence as the river port of the old capital of Pandua. During the 18th century it was the seat of prosperous cotton and silk industries. It remains an important distributing centre for rice, jute, and wheat. Historical monuments include the mosque Jami' Masjid (1566) and the landmark Nimasari tower across the river. Constituted a municipality in 1867, it has several colleges affiliated with the University of North Bengal. Rice, jute, legumes, and oilseed are the chief crops in the surrounding area. Mulberry plantations and mango orchards occupy large areas; mango trade and silk manufacture are the main economic activities.

Questions Malda

What is the length of border with Bangladesh in your district?(mention the name of boarder areas)

173.35 KmsLand - 158.35 KmsRiverine - 15 kms



What are the transit points in your district with respect to cross boarder trafficking? Kumvira(Baishnabnagar),

Gopalgunj (Kaliachak), Mohadipur (English Bazar),Joharatata (EB), Mahadebpur (Old Malda)( Border - Muchia, Adompur),Singabad (Habibpur), Dalla (Habibpur), Ashrampur (Bamongola), Adadanga(Bamongola), Jajal (Habibpur), Pardewyanapur( Baishnabnagar), Mohadipur (PS - English Bazar) is Govt recognised border.


60-80 repatriated last yearNo push Back system is persisting now


No Ngos are involved. Only BSF and BDR are involved

Is there any girl of Indian origin who has come back from Bangladesh through

No record found in last year

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repatriation in last one year?If any repatriation from Bangladesh happened to India how the girl is reintegrated in the community?

By the information of DIB/BSF 5-6 in last one year


Nearly every day


Rs 300 per head (single person)Rs 250 per head (when more than one)

What is the route of migration over border?

Not Available


On an average 7-8 yearly


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No awareness among the villagers. More often they are involved in illegal migration for quick money, for which sometimes they get arrested also by BSF.


10 to 20 people per month is arrested from the transit points

How sensitized is the local administration with respect to cross boarder trafficking? Administration takes initiatives only when there is

pressure from Upper levels.

Cross boarder trafficking situation in Murshidabad

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Murshidabad district (Bengali: মা�ড়ি �দা�বা�দা জেজল�) is a district of West Bengal in eastern India. Situated on the left bank of the river Ganges, the district is very fertile. Covering an area of 5,341 km² (2,062 sq mi) and having a population 5.863m (according to 2001 census) it is a densely populated district. The Baharampur town is the headquarters of the district.

The Murshidabad city, which lends its name to the district, was the seat of power of the Nawabs of Bangla. All of Bengal was once governed from this town. Few years after Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula lost to the British at the Battle of Plassey, the capital of Bengal was moved to the newly founded city of Calcutta.

It borders West Bengal's Malda district to the north, Birbhum to the west, Bardhaman to the south-west and Nadia district due south. The international border with Bangladesh's Rajshahi division is on the east.

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Questions Murshidabad

What is the length of border with Bangladesh in your district?(mention the name of boarder areas) 128 Km




Kaharpara (Under Raninagar P.S)Basitpur (Suh P.S)


No records found


Sanlaap - According to BSF and Police


3 girls from Central Jail Berhampore - according to Jail Authority


3 to 4 girls. Right Jessore was the partner in this process


It happens everyday. In any case if there is any problem occurs in borders the process stops for some days only.


Rs 500 - 800 per person

What is the route of migration over border? Firstly after crossing the borders they stay in a local village house. Then they acquire many women from different locations and traffic all of them at a time to Bombay / Delhi


14 girls are missing from the transit points Police Stations. In any of the cases J.J.Act

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was not applied.


37 traffickers. All are in Jail now.

What is the level of awareness among villagers at transit points regarding the risk of illegal migration? Villagers who are little aware

they knows it. Teachers are very much aware in the villages.


Kalu ghosh in jail since last 5 years.Sabita was arrested but bailed later


Nobody knows accept few BSF Officers

Cross boarder trafficking situation in Dakshin Dinajpur

South Dinajpur district or Dakshin Dinajpur district (Bengali: দাড়ি�ণ ড়িদানা�জপা�র জেজল�) is a district of West Bengal state of India. The district was created on April 1, 1992. The district comprises two subdivisions: Balurghat subdivision and Gangarampur subdivision.

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Questions Dakkhin Dinajpur

What is the length of border with Bangladesh in your district?(mention the name of boarder areas)

Total 252 KmsHili - 60 Kms, Balurghat - 65KmsKumargunj - 19 Kms, Tapan - 24 Kms, Gangarampur - 36 Kms , Kashmandy - 18 Kms



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Please find the scanned copies of detail points at annexure 1


Only one in last year


Women Interlink foundation 2005 - 2008Bahumukhi Gramin Sanstha from 2009


Yes. Saraswati Malo, Age -15 yrs


One repatriation case, no rehabilitation, re trafficking . The Muslim Communities marginalizing victims by telling them, they are no more Muslims by religion after trafficked.

How frequent the migration happens over the border from villages near to boarders? Most frequent through Non- fenced border spots.

Traffickers bring them along with their parent up to Kolkata or Malda. Frome there they traffic the girls by telling them that they will be meeting their parents


Rs 150 to 200 are required per person to cross the border without valid documents. In case they caught by BSFs the traffickers bribes BSFs to cross the border


No answer


2 girls age 14 and 15 respectively from Kumargunge and Hili

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No Govt record is available in this point


15-20 % people are aware 30% people knows or aware about illigal migration but they are allured by the money due to their financial crisis.Rest 50 % of people are absolutely unaware of illigal migration


Police said that, no arrest is possible in transit points under Trafficking act.


Local administration are not awared about the nitigrities of the Cross Border trafficking as there is no awreness from Govt level.

Cross boarder trafficking situation in Dakshin Dinajpur

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North Dinajpur district or Uttar Dinajpur district ( Bengali: উত্তর ড়িদানা�জপা�র জেজল�) ( uttar meaning North) came into existence on 1992-04-01 after the bifurcation of erstwhile West Dinajpur District. The District lies between latitude 25°11' N to 26°49' N and longitude 87°49' E to 90°00' E occupying an area of 3142 km² enclosed by Bangladesh on the east, Bihar on the west, Darjeeling District and Jalpaiguri District on the north and Malda District and South Dinajpur District on the south. Uttar Dinajpur is well connected with the rest of the state through National Highways, State Highways and Railways. NH-31 and NH-34 pass through the heart of the district.

The regional topography is generally flat with a gentle southerly slope towards which the main rivers like Kulik, Nagar, Mahananda. The District forms a part of the basin lying between Rajmahal hills on the east. The older alluvium is estimated to be Pleistocene age. Uttar Dinajpur is bestowed with a very fertile soil. The soil is very rich in nature due to the alluvial deposition which helps to grow Paddy, Jute, Mesta and Sugarcane etc. Raiganj on the banks of the River Kulik is the District Headquarters where the "Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary", the second largest bird sanctuary in Asia, is situated.

http://wapedia.mobi/en/Bangladesh

http://wapedia.mobi/en/Bihar

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Questions Uttar Dinajpur

What is the length of border with Bangladesh in your district?(mention the name of boarder areas) 257 kms


Not Totally Covered 47 kms

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Dinhata, Changrabanda


4 in last year

Which has been the NGOs involved in this repatriation process in your district? Hardly any NGO involved


No information


Two repatriation case, more cases within tribal communities


Frequent through on fenced boarder ares


same as Dakshin Dinajpur


mostly Through Raigunge


Hardly any record

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12 traffickers, 8 of them got bail


Hardly any

How many persons allegedly traffickers have been arrested by Police from transit points? No one, as police says due to lack of evidence

How sensitized is the local administration with respect to cross boarder trafficking? Only 1 or 2 officers who got training previously knows

about this.

Summary & Conclusion:

In a nutshell the above study lights up the flowing points with regard to cross boarder trafficking in North Bengal

There is huge need for information sourcing on human trafficking situation at North Bengal, given the severe lack of study at this part of Bengal

There is strong need of counter human trafficking work by Civil Society Organisaiton in North Bengal

Due to porous boarder, cross boarder trafficking is rampant

There is hardly any sensitization of officials either at Indian and at Bangladesh side

There is also hardly any record of missing girls at police stations

There is an array of transit points used for trafficking in each district

Rampant push back is happening through these districts

Hardly any case of repatriation is happening

Annexure- I

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buying and selling of girls acorss borders a study report by prantakatha for sanlaap

News & Politics

pagecross border trafficking

length of border

identified transit points

transit points sensitivity

fence transit points

international border

following points

entry points