Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, March 10 2009:
Alleging that they have been harassed by security forces on various occasions especially the night of February 27 at North AOC, in Imphal the Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) while condemning the act have called for an end to such harassments.
Addressing a press conference at a place in North AOC of Imphal West, Rose (name changed), a CSW disclosed they were sexually harassed by the personnel of Thoubal police commandos on the night of February 27 at a hotel.
She also alleged that the security personnel took video clips of them by force.
"Though we are CSW, we are human beings and condemned such acts of the security personnel who forcefully molested and harassed us", Rose stated.
Narrating the incident of the February 27 night, the CSW stated that six of them (CSW) were staying at a rent house at North AOC with two men when Thoubal police commandos force opened their door and beat them before sexually molesting and harassing them.
Narrating further, Rose informed that two of the men were kept in a separate room and then the six CSW were forced into various sexual activities by the security personnel much to their resentment.
"The police commandos even threatened to kill us if we refused their orders," she added.
Anna, (name changed) another CSW narrated that they were later taken to the Imphal West police station however not before being given the option of going to the police station or to their homes.
They, however, had to choose the police station due to the curfew, she stated and informed that the police commandos came in a white Bolero.
They also destroyed the television in of the living room, Anna disclosed.
Condemning the very act of the security forces, the CSW have urged the concerned authorities to take up a suitable action against the culprits.
Anna also informed that the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) has sent a petition to the concerned authorities and other concerned organisations working for the CSW to see into the condition of the CSW.