CM Conrad receives youth from Ichamati at LGBI Airport, Guwahati
Shillong, May 24: In a heartwarming gesture, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has personally received a youth from Meghalaya, who had remained missing for the past three years, until he was reconnected with the family through 1971 CM Helpline (CM CONNECT).
The youth, Genal R Marak, from Lummuri, Ichamati in East Khasi Hills returned home on Saturday after a harrowing incident in Jammu and Kashmir.
His emotional reunion with the family at LGBI Airport at Guwahati underscored the impact of the 1971 CM Helpline (CM CONNECT) and the direct intervention of the Chief Minister towards safety of the citizens.
The Chief Minister, after receiving Genal on his safe return, highlighted the emotional weight of the rescue.
“I am very happy that the CM Connect could be of service and could help save the life of one individual…,” he said.
Crediting the swift extraction to the seamless interstate coordination initiated by the helpline, the Chief Minister highlighted this incident as a powerful testament to how accessible governance can directly save lives.
Genal had been completely cut off from his family for the past three years, causing the family to lose hope about his return any more.
During the period, he was reportedly employed at a restaurant in Jammu & Kashmir under exploitative and abusive working conditions.
Three years ago, at the age of 16, Genal arrived in Shillong in search of employment, where he befriended an individual who later took him to Kashmir to find job opportunities.
He subsequently found work at a restaurant in Srinagar with the help of some locals.
However, during his employment, he was allegedly denied wages and was subjected to physical and mental abuse by both the restaurant’s owner and his son.
The turning point in Genal’s tragic journey and his rescue back to Meghalaya began on 24 April 2026 when a distress call was received on the 1971 CM CONNECT helpline.
Genal, being forced to work under such conditions, even expressed thoughts of taking his life if help had not reached on time.
Working under the strong mandate and intervention of the Chief Minister to provide safety to its citizens, the CM CONNECT team acted promptly, considering the seriousness of the matter.
The issue was escalated and with the help of the direct coordination between the senior officials and the law enforcement authorities of both Governments of Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir.
Within hours, a joint team comprising of the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Jammu and Kashmir traced young Genal in Srinagar and immediately rescued him from the premises.
To ensure full safety and welfare of Genal, the state government ensured that a Magistrate was deputed to oversee the matter from the start and provided necessary support allowing Surobi R Marak, Genal’s mother and his relatives accompanied by Sanjay D. Shira, Magistrate & Assistant Commissioner, to reunite Genal with his family and ensure his safe passage back home.
Following this, Genal’s pending wages were released facilitating his successful handover.
Welcoming Genal back on Saturday, the Chief Minister noted that these efforts reflect a profound commitment to the people.
