'Sur Ki Nong Mawkhar' (Voice of the People of Mawkhar), said they are "disgusted" that RAM wants to hold a panel discussion in their community on March 3 to commemorate International Sex Workers' Rights Day.
Digital Desk: Following the Rot Association of Meghalaya (RAM) announcement, a group of sex workers, of having a panel discussion to commemorate 'International Sex Workers' Rights Day' in Shillong's Mawkhar neighbourhood, a segment of Mawkhar locals called for the event to be boycotted.Gracia Pariat, a member of 'Sur Ki Nong Mawkhar' (Voice of the People of Mawkhar), said they are "disgusted" that RAM wants to hold a panel discussion in their community on March 3 to commemorate International Sex Workers' Rights Day."We jointly urge on Mawkhar people to commit to a boycott of the gathering in the Khasi National Durbar Hall to guarantee that this ancient building is not mistreated and degraded in the hands of these sex workers," Pariat added.Also Read: Mamata Banerjee blames Centre for the death of Indian student at Ukraine; calls it “negligence”According to Pariat, inhabitants of Mawkhar, members of frontline committees, and many organisations have worked ceaselessly for decades "to protect dignity in the area."Sur Ki Nong Mawkhar refuses to allow RAM to hold the panel discussion on the premises of the KND Hall or inside Mawkhar's limits."As a result, we urge on the DC Isawanda Laloo to boycott the event - anything less would be interpreted as a flagrant disdain for our community," Pariat added.I Kharmuti, President, RAM, in an open letter issued on Wednesday, demanded a 'Sex Work Decriminalisation Bill' be introduced immediately so that their work is recognised and respected."It's been 50 years. We are on the verge of a new era, yet all I see is indifference. It is past time for the Meghalaya government to take notice of the hundreds of sex workers throughout the state who are fighting for improved working conditions and an end to violence against them. "It's past time to decriminalise sex employment," Kharmuti stated.According to RAM's president, the measure should govern the sex business similarly to any other service industry. Most types of consensual adult sex work continue to be extensively criminalised in Meghalaya, forcing the sex industry underground and leaving sex workers fearful of the authorities. This bill would repeal all offences pertaining to consenting adult sex work.RAM stated that because they live in Meghalaya, a state that criminalises sex trade, their rights are rarely recognised and are often murdered. "The criminalization of our profession keeps us in dangerous situations." It prevents us from developing safe spaces to visit our customers, negotiate our job, and seek protection when necessary," Kharmuti explained.RAM President remembered how they had initiated an open constitutional challenge against three MLAs last year. However, none of their appeals were heard by the Supreme Court or any other court."Ironically and regrettably, local experts (moral police NGOs, religionists, and the like) ignored our spirit by unilaterally strengthening the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, over the whole state of Meghalaya." This law, which criminalises us, our clients, and other parties, provides us with no protection. Its goal is not just to abolish the sex business and everyone involved in it, but it also makes it easier for individuals to target us with impunity," Kharmuti continued.When contacted, the 'Rangbah Shnong' of Mawkhar area indicated that the hall could be rented to anybody and that they had no plans to oppose the event.Ransom Sutnga, the assistant headman of Mawkhar area, stated that he does not believe it is a major issue that must be opposed because it is more of an awareness initiative."I have no objections to the panel discussion." I believe it will raise public awareness. There is no such concept as "we oppose." We don't have any issues with it since the end of the Dorbar Shnong. "We are open to such awareness activities," Sutnga stated.He also mentioned that there is no group as 'Sur Ki Nong Mawkhar' and he isn't aware of residents opposing tomorrow's panel discussion.
