By Firdous Hassan
Srinagar: With authorities imposing ban on begging in Srinagar, majority of the beggars, local as well as non-local, have moved to other districts of the valley to receive alms.
Earlier this month, authorities announced ban on begging outside mosques, shines and public places under Jammu & Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act I960, which describe “begging as an offense.”
Subsequently, on the orders of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, a drive was launched during which scores of beggars in the city were detained.
Now, as few days are left for Eid-ul- Fitr, majority of these beggars have scattered in groups in different districts of the valley, where no such ban has been enforced yet.
As per the reports in north Kashmir, Sopore, Baramulla and Pattan town, beggars in hundreds have arrived overnight, who are seeking special alms on the eve of Eid.
“Some local beggars were already here, but now we see everywhere non-local children and women in huge number following and pestering people. Begging is legally prohibited in Kashmir but in Ramadan when Muslims give generous alms, the beggars take advantage of it,” said Sajad Ahmad a teacher from Baramulla.
Similar complaints have poured in from town like Sopore, Pattan and Tangmarg in the district, where the population of beggars have increased during last one week.
“They keep on following people to several meters and even catch hold of them if they refuse to give money,” Bushra Hamid, a student, said.
In Sopore, the beggar have literally invaded the Fruit Mandi and hospitals, who are “harassing people” if denied alms.
“Here in Sopore fruit market, the beggars visit different traders and take money from them. They have learnt the local dialect and refuse to leave the spot until money is being given to them,” said Manzoor Ahmad a local fruit dealer.
Similarly, reports from Anantnag and other south Kashmir towns suggest that the beggars tour to various areas to receive Sadqa-e-Fitr from households.
“They know that Sadq-e- Fitr has to be given before Eid. So these beggars especially non-locals demand from people. They even ask for donation in the form of clothes and other eatable items and never leave unless they are given something,” Arshid Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama, told The Kashmir Monitor over phone.
