CCTV cameras installed at Jamunaha crossing to stop human trafficking

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Apr. 11: Seven CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras have been installed at the Jamunaha checkpoint in Nepalganj, the most used border point by traffickers in western Nepal, to prevent human trafficking.

Shakti Group, an organisation working against human trafficking, said that since it was found that human trafficking saw an uptick recently, it has installed seven CCTV cameras at the Jamunaha checkpoint in Nepalgunj to prevent it.

Chari Maya Tamang, president of Shakti Group, said that four of the seven cameras were installed at the gate of the main checkpoint, two at the child-friendly counselling centre and one on the roadside in front of the local police office Jamunaha.

According to Tamang, the CCTV camera can be rotated according to the need, and the distant view can be zoomed and the object can be identified. The scenes captured by this camera are clearly visible and can be stored for 42 days, she informed.

Chief District Officer of Banke Bipin Acharya said that CCTV cameras will help in controlling human trafficking and other criminal activities at the border. He said that cameras should have been installed here a long time ago. Referring to the current situation, he said that it is necessary to keep cameras at the checkpoint for various reasons.

Keshav Koirala, the coordinator of Maiti Nepal, Nepalgunj, said that after seven cameras are installed at the checkpoint, it will be easier to control human trafficking and it will help in collecting evidence.

Jamunaha-based Area Police Office informed that with the help of cameras installed at the checkpoint, it will be easier to control human trafficking along with various criminal activities.

Jamunaha crossing is the main crossing used to transport women and children from rural areas of various hilly districts of western Nepal to India and third countries for risky work.