SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem on Wednesday announced that a sustained and intensified crackdown on illegal flesh trade will continue across Shillong, with coordinated action planned involving multiple government departments.
The SP said enforcement drives will be expanded to other parts of the city amid rising public concern over health risks and the spread of such activities into residential and religious areas.
Highlighting the complexity of the issue, Syiem stated that sex work cannot be addressed through policing alone, describing it as a socio-economic concern linked to livelihood challenges. He said a coordinated approach involving departments such as Social Welfare and Health is being initiated, particularly in view of concerns over rising HIV cases.
The police will take up the matter with the Social Welfare Department, which has agreed to focus on rehabilitation measures for those willing to exit sex work, including skill-based vocational support. At the same time, the Health Department will be engaged to strengthen measures aimed at containing the spread of HIV.
Issuing a stern warning, the SP cautioned hotels and guest houses against facilitating such activities, stating that strict legal action will be taken against violators. He added that police are actively monitoring such establishments and will act firmly against those found involved.
On enforcement measures, Syiem said individuals engaged in such activities will face legal consequences, including court-imposed fines for public solicitation and nuisance. Repeat offenders will be subjected to stricter penalties through continued court action, while vehicles used in such activities have been seized and will continue to be targeted to disrupt operations.
He also clarified that, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines, arrests of sex workers cannot be carried out at night.
Responding to concerns about possible human trafficking links, the SP warned that such activities can evolve from small, localised networks into organised systems. He noted that as demand grows, networks may expand, involving intermediaries and exploiting vulnerable individuals with promises of easy money.
The latest enforcement push follows a recent operation in the Khydailad area, where police apprehended 16 individuals, including four pimps, during a Saturday night crackdown. The action was initiated following complaints from residents about such activities taking place near homes and religious institutions, including churches and a Gurudwara.
Police said similar coordinated drives will continue in the coming days as part of efforts to curb organised immoral activities in key urban areas.
