Nagaland continues to be a significant source, transit and destination for human trafficking, with the crime increasingly taking new forms linked to cybercrime, financial fraud and forced labour, a senior state government official said on July 30.
Speaking at a training programme for Mission Shakti functionaries and the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Social Welfare Department Secretary and Administrative Head Limawabang Jamir said trafficking in Nagaland has traditionally involved child domestic labour, commercial sexual exploitation and illegal child adoptions disguised as opportunities for free education.
He warned that trafficking networks are now becoming more closely associated with cybercrime, money laundering, financial fraud, commercial sexual exploitation and forced labour, stressing the need for greater awareness and coordinated action to protect vulnerable women and children.
Jamir highlighted the work of Mission Shakti, stating that its centres handled 178 cases of gender-based violence and related distress during the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. Of these, One Stop Centres addressed 125 cases, while the Women Helpline-181 responded to 53 cases involving gender-based violence and information-related assistance.
He said Shakti Sadans, currently functioning in six districts, continue to provide shelter and rehabilitation to survivors of domestic violence, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases and other women in distress. Commending Mission Shakti personnel for delivering essential services despite operational challenges, he urged participants to make full use of the training programme to enhance their professional skills and improve service delivery.
The capacity-building programme, mandated by the National Commission for Women (NCW), was jointly organised by the NCW, the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) and Mission Shakti under the Social Welfare Department. It aims to strengthen the capabilities of frontline personnel handling cases of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
In her introductory address, Social Welfare Director Tosheli Zhimomi said the programme brought together staff from One Stop Centres, Women Helpline-181 and Shakti Sadans to improve institutional responses for women and children in distress.
She said that during the 2025-26 financial year, One Stop Centres handled 311 cases, while Women Helpline-181 received 2,090 calls, including 144 cases that required intervention and support. These involved domestic violence, cybercrime, sexual assault, POCSO cases, missing persons and other incidents affecting women.
Zhimomi also acknowledged the dedication of Mission Shakti personnel, noting that they continued serving women despite delays in salary payments. She encouraged participants to actively engage with resource persons and strengthen coordination with other Social Welfare Department initiatives, particularly Mission Vatsalya.
Delivering the keynote address, Nagaland State Commission for Women Chairperson W. Nginyeih Konyak said the collaboration between the NCW, NSCW and Mission Shakti is intended to develop a well-trained network of frontline workers capable of responding effectively to gender-based violence while reinforcing institutional support systems at the grassroots level.
