Shillong, April 27: A single distress call to the Meghalaya government’s CM Connect helpline has triggered a swift interstate rescue operation, bringing a stranded minor safely back under protection after alleged exploitation in Jammu & Kashmir.
The incident unfolded on April 24, when a caller dialled the 1971 helpline—part of the state’s flagship CM Connect initiative—and reported that a child from Meghalaya had been forced to work in a restaurant in Kashmir under abusive and exploitative conditions.
The minor was reportedly overworked, denied wages, and subjected to harassment, with officials noting alarming signs of emotional distress, including thoughts of self-harm.
Acting on the complaint, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat under Conrad K. Sangma moved quickly to escalate the case, coordinating with authorities in Jammu & Kashmir. Officials remained in constant contact through the night to ensure immediate intervention.
Within hours, a joint team comprising the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Jammu & Kashmir traced the child and carried out the rescue. The minor has since been shifted to a government shelter home and is reported to be safe.
Authorities have registered an FIR in connection with the case, initiated a formal inquiry, and directed the employer to clear all pending wages.
Officials said the incident underscores the responsiveness of the CM Connect platform, which has handled over 70,000 cases of citizen assistance since its launch in February 2024, along with nearly 20,000 direct interactions. The government claims a satisfaction rate of around 95 percent.
The Meghalaya government acknowledged the coordinated efforts of agencies involved in the rescue, stating that timely intervention was critical in ensuring the child’s safety.
The CM Connect helpline (1971) is designed to provide citizens with direct access to government support, including in emergencies beyond state boundaries.
