Shillong, May 23: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday personally received a rescued Meghalaya youth at Guwahati airport after he was brought back from Jammu and Kashmir following an alleged case of exploitation and abuse.
The rescued youth, identified as Genal R. Marak from East Khasi Hills district, had reportedly been working at a restaurant in Srinagar for the past three years under exploitative conditions.
According to the Meghalaya government, Genal had left home at the age of 16 in search of employment and later travelled to Kashmir with the help of an acquaintance. He subsequently found work at a restaurant in Srinagar but was allegedly denied wages and subjected to physical and mental abuse by the restaurant owner and his son.
The rescue operation was initiated after a distress call was received on the state government’s 1971 CM CONNECT helpline on April 24, 2026. Officials said the youth had expressed extreme distress and allegedly spoke about taking his own life if help did not arrive in time.
Following the complaint, the CM CONNECT team coordinated with officials and law enforcement agencies of both Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir to trace and rescue the youth.
A joint team comprising the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Jammu and Kashmir later rescued Genal from Srinagar within hours of the intervention, officials said.
The Meghalaya government also deputed a magistrate to oversee the process and facilitate the reunion with his family. Genal’s mother, Smt. Surobi R. Marak, along with relatives and magistrate Sanjay D. Shira, travelled to bring him back home safely. Authorities also ensured the release of his pending wages before his return.
Speaking after receiving the youth at the airport, Sangma said the case reflected how accessible governance and quick coordination could save lives.
“This is how effective simple systems and technologies can be, and I am very happy that the CM Connect could be of service and could help save the life of one individual,” the chief minister said.
The Meghalaya government said the incident demonstrated the role of the 1971 CM CONNECT platform not only as a grievance redressal mechanism but also as an emergency support system for citizens in distress.
Also Read: Meghalaya ranks among India’s fastest-growing Economies: Client Associates Study
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