by Ovais Gull
Srinagar: Even as the District Magistrate Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has ordered immediate arrest of those found soliciting alms in the district, the beggars especially non-locals continue to irk the people in the city here while no action is being taken against them.
A number of local and non-local beggars could be seen seeking alms at the traffic signals, Amir Kadal Bridge and other places especially in the commercial hub Lal Chowk. The non-local beggars could be seen at various important places in the city, especially in commercial hub, Lal Chowk, Dal-Gate and along the boulevard stretch, Jehangir Chowk and other areas.
Earlier, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, in exercise of powers vested in him under the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary (JKPB) Act 1960, had issued an order, directing immediate arrest of persons found soliciting alms at public places. The order is aimed at ensuring implementation of provisions of the JKPB Act prohibiting soliciting of alms at public places.
It directs for immediate action against anyone indulging in soliciting of alms at public places including in or around places of worship or entering any private premises for the purpose of soliciting alms. The order also directs for action against those exhibiting sores or wounds or injuries or deformities or disease with the object of obtaining or extorting alms. The order states that offenders will be arrested and booked under Section 4 of the JKPB Act 1960 read with Section 61 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1989.
Despite banning, the beggars especially non-locals could be seen roaming freely in the commercial Hub here seeking alms from the people especially to young students, who feel irked by them.
Officials also admitted that beggars create “massive nuisance” for the public, especially at traffic signals, adding that there was no proper details available with them regarding the total numbers of beggars present here as there was no survey conducted in this regard.
The commuters travelling through Srinagar roads demanded immediate action against these beggars.
