Officials call for stronger fight against human, child trafficking

Prakasam District Joint Collector Kalpana Kumari takes part in an awareness rally organised to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, in Ongole on Thursday. | Photo Credit: KOMMURI SRINIVAS The World Day against Trafficking in Persons was observed in Prakasam and Markapuram districts on Thursday. On the occasion, the district officials called for eradicating human and child trafficking in the society, particularly in and around schools and colleges.Markapuram Collector M. Vijaya Sunitha unveiled a special campaign poster designed by the representatives of voluntary organisation ‘Vetti Vimochana Coalition Network’ at the Collectorate. She appealed to the public not to fall victim to those making unrealistic promises about jobs opportunities abroad.She urged everyone to take appropriate precautions and not to leave children unattended. She also warned against scams perpetrated under the guise of marriage and advised contacting the police if any suspicions arise. Furthermore, she urged for the creation of widespread awareness programmes.Meanwhile, Prakasam Joint Collector Kalpana Kumari flagged off an awareness rally jointly organised by DCPU, DLSA, AHTU, Women and Child Welfare, Labour and Police departments, along with voluntary organisations HELP and SARDS — from Prakasam Bhavan to Ongole RIMS.Speaking at the rally, she emphasised the need for the government, police force, and various voluntary organisations to work in coordination to completely eradicate the inhumane practice of human trafficking from society.The Joint Collector stated that extensive awareness programmes were being conducted across the district this year under the theme ‘identifying the truths behind the deception and rescuing the victims’. She remarked that human trafficking had become one of the most heinous acts globally.Expressing concern over the fact that human trafficking ranks second on the list of international crimes, she said that cybercriminals and traffickers were misusing technology, cultivating contacts via social media and deceiving innocent people with false promises. Published - July 30, 2026 08:39 pm IST