| Despite anti begging act, J&K invaded by Army of beggars | | | Bijay Charak
Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 18 : Despite J&K being a state that has a legislation against begging, it is ironical that several of its towns and capital cities have been infested with an army of beggars that eyes pilgrimage tourists both in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mukesh Sharma a sweet shop owner of Bagh-e-Bahu said, "Begging menace is increasing in Jammu, especially in areas such as Bahu fort, Raghunath temple, chatha peer baba, and even places like bus stand, various mini bus stops and Traffic red lights at Bikram Chowk, Jewal Chowk and Satwari Chowk".
He further said that some female beggars were also seen holding children in their arms at said places. "Beggars target the tourists and as soon as tourists get out of the vehicle, the beggars use various tactics to get something out of them", he said.
Ashwani Kumar, an autorikshaw driver said beggars have become a nuisance for pedestrians as well as motorists. The administration should do something to control it.
"They follow people everywhere - streets, footpaths, footbridges, parks, bus stands and even outside ATMs. Many of them have started door-to-door begging in the city", another resident of Bagh-e-Bahu said, adding that though there is a law in the state to check the menace of begging, the nuisance has flourished across Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of these beggars on city streets not only shows callousness on part of law enforcement agencies, but may also be a potential security risk as these people have no identity.
Recent incidents in several parts of the country have revealed that begging has become an organized racket and most of the beggars make huge collections out of it. It is inexplicable as to why administration has turned a blind eye to the flourishing illegal syndicate in the state. |
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