Police,hotels owners’ meet

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JAN 10: After the sensational trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor girl that led to the arrest of a legislator and others, the East Khasi hills police convened a meeting with hoteliers falling under the jurisdiction of the Sardar police station and urged them not to allow ‘sex industry’ to thrive in their hotels.

Necessary advisories of ‘dos’ and ‘donts’ were handed over to the hoteliers to be given to the guests staying in their hotels and guest-houses.

Owners of over 83 hotels attended the meeting convened by the police whose sole motive was to seek their cooperation and make them partners to combat crimes.

Addressing the meeting, East Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police (City) Vivek Syiem said, “We urged you not to allow sex work/industry to thrive in your hotels though tourism industry is picking up in the state.”

Such call assume significance following the sex racket involving hotels and guest houses used as places for sexual exploitation of a minor girl rescued recently.

Stating that prostitution network is on the increased in the city, Syiem however said, “If you encourage it will have serious ramification which are bad,” adding “We need to be partners if you want to stop such activity.”

Installation of Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) of good quality was one of the main recommendations made to all hotels and other places which offer accommodation to tourists and people visiting the state.

“It is a must to have CCTV of good quality which can give better visual clarity,” Syiem informed.

However because there is no provision in the law to penalize hotels who does not have CCTVs, it became necessary for the state government to take note this absence as police are just issuing advisories on the issue now.

Syiem also underscored on the hotel and guest house owners to maintain proper register of the people who come to stay in their rooms.

“It is time that you start questioning customers who come along with women especially minors. You should take the details of not only the person booking the rooms but also acquaintances,” he said.