Guwahati, March 10: Concern was aired in Meghalaya Assembly today by a section of MLAs over Police Bazar area in Shillong city turning into a pick-up point of sex workers.

However, Meghalaya Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui firmly denied that Khyndailad (Police Bazar) had become a pick-up point of sex workers in the city.

"No" was the firm reply from the Home Minister when the issue was raised by North Shillong, MLA Adelbert Nongrum in the floor of the House during the Question Hour.

Dissatisfied with the one-word reply from the Home Minister, Nongrum emphasised that this issue was serious and wanted to know what steps the government is taking in this regard.

The Home Minister said "The reply is ‘no’ but the concern is being noted and the government has taken the concern seriously".
He informed that the anti -human trafficking cells had been established in all districts of the state to see if there was any such unwanted development so that it could be prevented.

"We are concerned and have constituted the anti-human-trafficking unit and surveillance team and are trying to see such things do not happen and to the best of my knowledge it is not a pick-up point of sex workers but of passengers," said Rymbui.

."If the Home Minister really means business spare your precious time and roam around with me from 10 'O' clock and you will realise the fact. Are you ready to take a round?" Nongrum said.

Nongrum reasoned that if the State Government was not serious and unable to control it, the area would soon be known as a ‘red light area’ and Meghalaya of dealing in prostitution.

 "Will the government care to investigate or conduct inquiry into the matter," he questioned.

 The Home Minister said that the government was concerned and therefore had constituted anti- trafficking task force unit.
 
Opposition Congress legislator and East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh also requested the police department to conduct and inquiry into the issue within three or four days and send a reply.

The Home Minister replied that they had established anti-human trafficking units and raids were conducted prompt on receipt of such information. He said that police were alive to the issue and working on it.