'Sex racket' gets murkier in Ukhrul with 'undue intervention'
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, November 24 2012:
In an unprecedented move against the raging sex racket controversy, the district administration today deployed a posse of police on the outskirts of Ukhrul town and stopped a group of women from Nungbi Kachui village on their way to visit the of office of Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL).
On Saturday at about 1pm, the Ukhrul police "armed with riot gears" swung into action reportedly on the "order of the District Magistrate" and stopped a group of women from Nungbi Kachui from proceeding towards Ukhrul town.
A posse of about 50 policemen stopped the two Shaktiman trucks and a Bolero jeep in which about 150 women were travelling and seized the keys of the two trucks at district jail area.
The police action took the women by surprise.
On enquiring the reason, Nungbi Kachui Shanao Long (NKSL) chairperson Hannah said the police are following the "order of the District Magistrate," while terming the situation as "totally irrational and uncalled for" on the part of district authorities.
"We were peacefully on our way to seek an audience with Tangkhul Shanao Long regarding our petition seeking redress for the two girls.
Why did the district administration poke its nose in our affairs?" NKSL chairperson told the mediapersons.
In the face of aggressive stance at district jail, Nungbi Kachui women reportedly put up a brave fight and broke the barricade after some of them disrobe their Sarong (phanek) and beat the policemen away.
They walked all the way to Ukhrul from the district jail.
"The police also pointed guns and threaten to shoot at us.
Did we provoke them to reciprocate in this manner?," asked Athing, after walking about 3kms to reach the town.
On the other hand, a posse of 50 policemen and Manipur Rifles armed with tear gas canisters and riot shields were posted at main entrance of Mini Secretariat while causing confusion among the public this afternoon.
Inspite of all their effort, the NKSL women were not allowed to visit the office of TSL, which is located inside the premises of Mini Secretariat.
The action of district administration has really peeved the NKSL women.
"Did we create any situation or break any law to invite such unwanted police action.
We came peacefully and without causing any provocation to anyone.
Why are we not allowed to visit the TSL?," asked Venus Tallanao.
"In any manner, can our democratic action be termed as unlawful? Then, why did the district administration remained a mere spectator to the incident involving tonsuring and parading sex racketeers in full public view on Friday? Is that action right and lawful for Ukhrul district administration?" she further questioned.
The entire incident happened a day after four women sex racketeers were tonsured and paraded in full public view at Pakshi ground on Friday.
Incidentally, the illegal prostitution was busted after two teenagers from Nungbi Kachui were forced into the trade and escaped from the dragnet of their madams recently.
NKSL stated that they have petitioned the TSL for redress as the victim girls are their members.
It also said the aggrieved parents have submitted "Charter of Demands" to the TSL.
What penal actions have been imposed on the four women sex racket kingpins? Who will compensate for the damage caused to the two minor girls? Who will bear expenses for the medical treatment they are currently undergoing? These are few queries raised by NKSL.
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