New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday informed about the rescue operations carried by the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The RPF managed to rescue more than 2 thousand people and 65,000 children from “the clutches of Traffickers”.

“During last 5 years, RPF has rescued 2,178 persons from the clutches of Traffickers besides rescue of more than 65,000 children and scores of women and men in need of care and protection,” informed the Ministry of Railways.

Human Trafficking, especially of Women and Children, for sexual exploitation, prostitution among others is an organised crime. These are the most abominable violation of human rights.

Said the ministry: The human traffickers are using the major transport network of the country, Indian railways, for transporting victims.

During the month, 151 minor boys, 32 minor girls (total 183 minors) and 3 women from the clutches of human traffickers with arrest of 47 Human Traffickers.

RPF has a pan India reach under a unitary structure of command and control. Over the years, RPF has developed an efficient response mechanism for redressal of security related grievances of passengers.

Operation against Human Trafficking called ‘Operation AAHT’ has been launched to supplement the efforts of Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs).

RPF has recently set up 750 AHTUs across the country that would coordinate with Police, AHTUs functioning in Thana, District and State levels and other stake holders.

The RPF launched a month long special drive against Human Trafficking through rail in the month of July 2022.

RPF field units were advised to work in co-ordination with state police, LEAs and other stakeholders.