Flesh trade flourishes in garb of Mujra in Burhanpur

Khandwa, MP, July 12 (UNI) The traditional art of Mujra is writing the script of disaster for many youth in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district where the tradition is believed to have flourished during Mughal era.

The reality of mujra dancers is a far cry from its fanciful interpretations with several mujra dancers turning to flesh trade in a bid for survival after the Mughal empire passed into the annals of history.

Deredar Samaj Chairman Ameen Ahmed said Borwadi colony -- where mujra dancers were established by Mughal emperor Jahangir -- has 60 families that has kept the tradition of mujra alive. Seventy mujra performers and 12 Qawwals travel far and wide in the country to render performances.

However, down the ages, some mujra dancers turned to flesh trade. About 120 sex workers also live in the same colony and more than 26 per cent of them are affected by HIV positive virus.

Mr Ahmed claimed that there is no relation between mujra dancers and sex workers despite the fact that both reside in the same colony.

However, local residents, point out that the story was not all it was cracked up to be. There were several houses where mujra was performed at the first floor while flesh trade was carried out at ground floor.

Sometimes respected people of society came in the name of listening to mujra but fulfilled their carnal desire. Besides, sale of 'charas (hashish)' takes place at some 'pan' shops.

Collector Saroj Damor accepted that the increase in number of AIDS patients had been alarming. In a recent health checkup camp, out of more than 60 sex workers examined, 14 were found to be affected by HIV positive virus. Based on these figures, 26.66 per cent sex workers were in the grip of AIDS.

Police said the state government had not declared Burhanpur as a notified area under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

Several people were arrested for involvement in trafficking in the past two years.

Under such circumstances, HIV positive-sex workers were transmitting diseases to several guests everyday.

UNI XC-PS SP 1055