Almighty Allah made men and women as equals and each other’s companions. He says in the Holy Quran, “O human beings, we have created you from a man and woman and made you into communities and tribes so that you may know each other, and verily the best of you in the Sight of God is one who fears Him more and is dutiful.”
This is the plan of God that men and women are equal and complementary to each other. Therefore, they should get each other’s full support in protecting their chastity and dignity. But, unfortunately, in greater part of history men have abused and exploited women. It is extremely regretful that this abuse of women continues even in the present so-called age of enlightenment, which always lays stress on human dignity and human rights.
A recent BBC investigation has brought to light incidents of women trafficking. Human trafficking is a euphemism for human smuggling across borders which ends in worst crimes against poor and vulnerable women who finally end in prostitution and use of women as sex slaves.
According to the report, women from Central Asian countries are enticed with lucrative jobs in the UAE, wherefrom they are transported to Nepal and finally smuggled into India and used as sex slaves in the brothels of big Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Indian police have taken a serious note of these shameful cases of human trafficking and worst type of degradation of women and pushing of women in sex slavery. Some human traffickers have been arrested and cases have been filed against these inhuman criminals.
The affected women have told the police and investigating agencies how they were pushed into flesh trade. They are beaten, tortured and forced to provide them with 4 to 6 customers every night and even in daytime. This has made them worse than dogs. It’s the duty of every country; and in the light of the BBC report, it’s the special duty of Central Asian countries to protect the life and honor of their young daughters. The report mentions the cases of some women (with names changed for protecting their identities). It can be understood that the cases in the report are from Muslim countries. It need not be stressed that Islam gives utmost respect to women and their chastity and dignity.
It is very important that our country India should take stringent action against these inhuman criminals who are indulging in flesh trade. The judiciary also has to play a proactive role in expeditiously perusing the cases so that the criminals are punished and the victims are rescued and sent back to their respective countries. It’s heartening that some NGOs are engaged in protecting human rights and safeguarding the dignity and chastity of the women who are at present rotting in Indian jails. As the standard-bearer of protection of human rights and dignity, India must act. The freedom and honor of every woman is of utmost value and unavoidable. We should crush flesh trade with an iron fist and give exemplary and deterrent punishments to the enemies of humanity.