Love it or hate it: Ganga Jamuna action ignites centuries old debate

NAGPUR: It has been a week now that the city’s red-light area Ganga Jamuna has been facing a curfew-like situation, with frequent police raids upsetting normal life for residents as well as businesses, legal and illegal. Residents and activists are questioning the denial of their right to life and liberty due to zonal deputy commissioner of police Abhinash Kumar’s mission to eradicate commercial sex work from the area, even as some sections of society have welcomed the developments.
Those lauding DCP Kumar’s efforts believe there was a need to stop the exploitation of women and children behind the garb of the world’s oldest profession. Others say the IPS officer’s whims are coming in the way of the livelihood of many and triggering other ills, including breeding corruption in the lower rungs of the constabulary. Intellectuals, however, point out that there is a need for a concrete plan of rehabilitation from the government, as brazen police action alone cannot tackle the social problem.
Easo Daniel, who has a NGO in the red-light area for educating children, supports the police action but also drew attention to local residents, who thrive on business from brothels and their customers. “The women may migrate to other parts of the city or even outside to continue their trade, but what about the education of children who had been going to schools here. We need an alternate rehabilitation system,” he said.
Activist Ram Ingoley, who has been fighting for the rights of commercial sex workers and their children for more than two decades, said that such problems had cropped up in 1980 too. “Raids and stopping the business is not the solution. These women do not possess any other life or survival skills, and need a long term plan from the micro-level,” he said.
“Only government schemes would not work, even the society should accept the sex workers,” Ingoley said. He also said there may be more to it than meets the eye behind the police action, as certain vested interests often orchestrate such raids.
Former member of Parliament Jambuwantrao Dhote, who had formed an organization of commercial sex workers ‘Amrapali’ in 1980, said the society should learn to view these women as ‘devdasis’ as they are serving the society by allowing their soul to be devastated every day by unknown men. Dhote’s close aide Sunil Chokhare said that a meeting of local residents would be held soon to decide a plan of action.
Former chairperson of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Dr Ranjana Pardhi praised the police action to end flesh trade. “If someone is driven by biological needs, then the institution of marriage is the solution and not encouraging flesh trade at the cost of minors and their childhood. Police have done well to put a brake here, which would also help curtail the spread of HIV,” she said.
“Central government is now encouraging women’s empowerment. It should show the way through rehabilitation schemes instead of only police action,” said Ranjana. “If a thief is stealing for livelihood, can we allow him to continue?” she asked.
Veteran journalist-turned-social worker Umesh Choubey said the century old flesh trade at Ganga Jamuna can be stopped only with permanent line of action, and not a temporary rush of blood. “Every blanket ban has its fallouts and collateral damage along with positive outcomes. Youngsters should be diverted from the sex trade. But, the evicted women can always develop dens in other parts of the city,” he said. “There should be concrete plans to shift such localities outside the city, like jails,” he said.
Head of the department and assistant professor of political science Anjali Gaidhane said women would continue to be exploited, whatever the turn of events. “The latest police action seems to be better than the earlier perfunctory raids. However, the sudden closure of trade would certainly throw up several issues like rehabilitation. There should be a holistic approach,” she said.
Social activist Sangita Ramteke complained that police have created a curfew-like situation and are torturing women in the name of inquiries at Lakadganj police station. “It is a known fact that criminals visit the place, but in the absence of women in red-light localities they would turn to innocent ones elsewhere in society and create a havoc. Who would be responsible if such criminals and miscreants start venting their lust on minors and other women?” asked Sangita. “The women have somehow managed to survive the fortnight since action began and may pull on for another month. But where would they go later?” she said.
Former city police chief PKB Chakravorty said the police should remain on the right side of the law while conducting raids and other related action. “Prostitution per se is not illegal, but other aspects like soliciting are. There have been debates on the issue since last several years. We may not be able to prohibit it, but certainly need to control it,” he said.