The Hindu : National : Concern at abduction of tribal girls

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Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005

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National

Concern at abduction of tribal girls

Staff Reporter

It is not just a regional problem but a national issue, says Nandita Das

— Photo: V.V. Krishnan

FOR CHILD RIGHTS: Actress Nandita Das (right), addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday on Abduction of Minor Girls from Tribal Regions.

NEW DELHI: Worried over the increasing incidents of abduction of minor girls from tribal areas, concerned citizens on Tuesday demanded a more proactive role by the police and administration.

``There is an increasing trend to abduct minor girls from tribal areas and sell them off in other areas for marriage or as sex workers. Over the past few months four incidents have come to light in Chindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. But this is not justa regional problem, but a national issue", actress Nandita Das told a press conference here.

Describing a recent incident, social activist Mercy Mathew, said a 15-year-old girl was abducted in March, but the police did nothing. "I went to the police" but they took about two months even to register the first information report. In fact, they took about two months to register it. "We organised a public meeting, approached the women's commission and spoke to the Superintendent of Police. Only when the pressure came from all these quarters did they listen to us.''

Ms. Mathew said, "We finally traced the girl in Agra." She had been sold for Rs. 60,000 for marriage. There were people in Chindwara who lured the girl with promises of a good life. "The police did question the local culprits but did not carry out any investigation against those in Agra.'' Ms. Mathew listed three other cases of abductions. ``It is horrifying to villagers of the region that people can take away their girls and sell them. These girls are sometimes shown blue films, drugged and gradually prepared for prostitution. There is also demand for girls for marriage in some regions due to rampant female foeticide and infanticide," she said.

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