Re: Crowd burns down sex workers homes in Sitamari, Bihar

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

The incident is indeed shameful & deplorable.

We appreciate the action taken by DMSC which should yield positive results.

However we may also need to keep in mind the local factors which has

resulted in the precipitation of such an incident. We are active in the

neighbouring district of Muzaffarpur and have noted that these incidents are

usually sponsored acts with specific outcomes in mind.

The affected area is dominated by a marginalised community (religious as well as

professional) and the land owned by few land sharks and well to do businessmen,

who construct temporary shelters with bamboo and mud and lease them out for

astronomical sums to the CSWs.

Their illegal business has also been affected by this incident in addition to

the local daily mela related transactions.

It may be possible that there are many vested concerns and conflict of interests

in the region.

While talking to the state administration and district security forces to ensure

action, it may also help if the affected community was helped to get back on

their feet through immediate creation of a local representative body and a

facilitative watchdog.

The local DM and SP is sensitive to the issue and are doing everything to

ameliorate the situation. SDO has been entrusted with the safety and

rehabilitation of those affected.

While raising our voices for justice maybe as activists we should also take this

opportunity to highlight the issue at proper quarters and ensure that the

situation is handled in a sensitive manner by the local Govt.

We should advocate for extension of long term positive rehabilitation oriented

benefits which has eluded the affected community for long.

District Welfare Office can be a source for some interaction in this regard in

addition to the URDA & DRDA. They are active in the district and can be

harnessed for support.

This will ensure a lasting solution for those in need.

Best regards,

Alok

Dr. Alok Lodh,

National Coordinator Public Health, MAA, Chief Operations & Zonal Office (East),

Sinha House, Bankers Colony, Kayastha tola, PO: MIC

Bela, Sherpur, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India, Pin: 842005

Per. email: draloklodh@..., Mobile: 0-9931404833

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

We as HMAP are working in Lahore, Kasur and diffrent cities of Punjab Pakistan.

We are very sorry to know the attitude of the people towered sex workers.

Although, We could not particepate in your protest against this bad very bad

and shocking activity of that crowd, but we are with you with warm wishes and

pray for your sucsess.

Its realy bad. We also want to say that human right Associations must have to

particepate in Kalkota.

Regards

Dr. Altaf H. Tariq

Chairman

Homoeopathic Medical Association of Pakistan

27 Elahi Bukhsh Park, Shadbagh Lahore 54900

Pakistan

e-mail: <ahtariq@...>