Dear Editor,
Begging, the most common urban problem has taken alarming dimensions in Jammu, with children as young as six years in shabby conditions roaming the market places and seeking alms.
It is really alarming situation that is prevailing in the city as most of the beggars in Jammu are mostly from other parts of the country who are brought here under a well planned strategy not only to fleece but also to commit petty crimes. It’s very unfortunate that the government seems to be sleeping over such a sensitive issue.
There are many areas in Jammu where there is a group of street beggars who think begging as the only source of income and are involved in it. Not only are the local residents, who are busy shopping get irritated by these ‘unwanted guests’, even tourists complain of being mobbed by beggars and forced to pay alms. No one is there to keep a check on this. These beggars are also sometimes involved in crimes.
The beggars roaming freely in the city have become a nuisance for the people particularly for the tourists as they follow them in the markets. A strict action needs to be taken in this regard as it leaves a bad impression on the tourists who visit our State.
D.P Singh (Raju)
Jammu
