Why so Insecure?

Why so Insecure?
Posted by: "ICYO India icyoindia@gmail.com" ICYO India icyoindia@gmail.com msgiri_bebl
Sun Aug 3, 2008 1:38 am (PDT)
POSTED BY: ICYO India icyoindia@gmail. com

Subject: Why so Insecure?

WHY SO INSECURE?

Recently our partner in Bangalore 'Mitr Sanketa' had a very
interesting experience which I feel very strongly compelled to relate.

As a part of the 'Movement Against Trafficking' (MAT) initiated by
Prajwala, our partner in Bangalore Mitr Sankeeta has been organizing
sensitization programs for people from all walks of life on
trafficking and its strong linkages with commercial sexual
exploitation. A candle light vigil on MG Road, Bangalore has been a
monthly activity to raise public opinion on these issues. On one such
candle light vigil last month which had a lot of college youth
participating a group of 50 women met our partner on the road
requesting them to allow their team also to participate in the vigil.
Our partners most happily conceded little did they realize what was in
store for them!

In a few minutes these women were holding posters/placards which
contradicted our posters. It was then our partners realized that these
were women coming from a pro-prostitution outfit. On requesting them
not to hold their posters an argument ensued wherein these women very
violently accused our partner of being party to destroy their
livelihood and forcing them to starvation. Patiently when our partner
questioned them on how many of them had entered prostitution by choice
most of them were tongue tied. Further when they were questioned
whether they will like their dear ones in the same trade many broke
down. In the meantime a male spokesperson of the group also arrived
and started arguing… Anyway the vigil became a spicy affair with two
groups of people holding placards with totally contradictory
messages... (of course confusing the public massively! And the media
guys making snide potshots)

All this in a event organized by our partner…which I am sure all of us
who work in the sector understand the difficulties… police
permission…mobilizin g volunteers sensitized to the cause, preparing
placards, arranging candles…it takes a lot of efforts and
resources….and then to get gate crashed by another uninvited
group…well India is a democracy ! so can't complaint…

Post all this drama now our partner is plagued by different self
proclaimed arbitrators who want to facilitate a dialogue between both
the groups…one does not know who authorizes whom but the actual group
in contention is nowhere in sight!

Having heard all this just one question keeps coming into my mind…

WHY THIS INSECURITY…WHICH FORCES ONE TO GATECRASH OTHER PEOPLE'S
EVENTS…ARE YOUR CONVICTIONS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO HOLD ITS OWN
GROUND…IS IT POSSIBILE THAT YOU ALSO SEE THE TRUTH IN OUR WORDS AND
THAT THREATENS YOU…

Dr Sunitha Krishnan

Prajwala