With all the problems afflicting the capital complex, it seems we are in for more as of late the twin capital cities have seen droves of beggars pestering locals going about their daily lives. These beggars are living out of the street, and come sun down most of the porticos of showrooms and stores are being  filled by them. Then of course, there is the lot that is seen selling inflatable toys and living off the streets.

Begging is a serious problem in the rest of India and it rearing its ugly head here in Arunachal must be dealt with all seriousness by the administration. While admitting the ‘humanitarian’ aspect of some of the beggars who are forced to do so because of being handicapped, because they are unable to work, but there is another story to begging as well. Begging has become a lucrative business and it is no less of a big racket. For many begging is just like any other profession.

Allowing beggars into the state is like allowing more law and order problems including sanitation issues. People living off the streets easily get involved in anti-social activities and truth be told, Itanagar has witnessed a spurt in criminal activities of late and can well do without anymore untoward incidents. Not saying that any particular group is responsible for executing criminal acts, but the point being driven here is—it is definitely a challenge to keep tab on the floating population and if at all someone does execute a criminal act and flees, then the case automatically becomes a cold case.

The arrival of these migrant beggars has opened up the many chinks in the Inner Line Permit implementation at our check gates. Authorities need to find out the lacunae—is the security breach in the Banderdewa, Hollongi or Gumto check gates or is the loophole at the Naharlagun Railway station.

You see there is no point of having a robust ILP system when only tourists and visitors (read harmless people) are troubled with entry permits. The ILP must sieve out unwanted elements that may disturb internal peace and this must be its main purpose.

Like many other states, Arunachal must also ban begging and empower its police to arrest anyone begging on its streets. We should have zero tolerance towards this social menace.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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