Shillong, April 28, 2026: A distress call to the Meghalaya government’s CM Connect helpline triggered a swift interstate rescue operation that brought a minor from the state back under protection after alleged exploitation in Jammu & Kashmir.
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According to officials, the incident came to light on April 24 when a caller dialled the CM Connect helpline (1971) and reported that a child from Meghalaya had been forced to work at a restaurant in Kashmir under abusive conditions.
The minor was reportedly made to work long hours, denied wages and subjected to harassment. Officials also noted signs of severe emotional distress, including thoughts of self-harm.
Following the complaint, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma immediately escalated the matter and coordinated with authorities in Jammu & Kashmir. Officials remained in contact through the night to ensure swift action.
Within hours, a joint team comprising the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Jammu & Kashmir traced the minor and carried out the rescue operation. The child 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, launched a formal inquiry and directed the employer to clear all pending wages.
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Officials said the incident highlights the responsiveness of the CM Connect platform, which has handled more than 70,000 citizen assistance cases since its launch in February 2024, along with nearly 20,000 direct interactions, with the government claiming a satisfaction rate of about 95 percent.
The Meghalaya government acknowledged the coordinated efforts of agencies involved in the rescue, stating that timely intervention played a crucial role in ensuring the child’s safety.
