State patronising prostitution in J

Srinagar, Apr 30 (UNI) The Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of Faith) today alleged that ''prostitution, pornography and other vulgarities'' in Jammu and Kashmir were being ''patronised by the state''.

Addressing a news conference here, Dukhtaran-e-Millat Chief Asiya Andrabi asked the authorities to expose all those involved in the sex racket.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police busted a major sex racket here and arrested three people in this connection a few days ago.

Some top politicians, businessmen besides senior security force and police officials were alleged to be involved in the flesh trade racket in which more than 40 girls were believed to have been used in making pornographic films.

Ms Andrabi also claimed that the kingpin of the gang, Sabeena, arrested by the police, was known to many ''Indian parliamentarians''.

''When we had launched a campaign against obscenity in August last year, Sabeena was the first woman we tried to rope in. She had lured many young girls into this trade and was thrown out of her house by the people in Chinkral Mohalla and had since been residing in Habba Kadal in a newly-constructed house,'' she said.

Ms Andrabi said the people of the area had also joined the Dukhtaran activists in their campaign.

''But, as Sabeena wielded influence, police disrupted our campaign and arrested us,'' she claimed.

The Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief threatened of mass protests and agitations if Sabeena was released and not punished for her crime.

''Sabeena had been arrested earlier as well but was released immediately due to her high contacts. But, this time the people must see to it that she does not get away with it,'' she added.

Ms Andrabi said her party will restart the campaign to fight obscenity in the Valley and claimed that some startling revelations would soon be made.

''We will reveal more in the coming days. At present, we are focussing on the activities of two women -- one from Jammu and another from the Valley -- who are influential and spreading this rot in the society. They too are luring the young girls into the flesh trade,'' she claimed.

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