Think before you want to sympathise with beggars

sharjah — Beggars are resorting to novel ways to earn the sympathy of people. Majority of them are disguising themselves as women wearing an abaya or niqab. Some are seen posing as street vendors selling pens, water bottles, papers with holy verses, perfumes and other types of items on the intersections, traffic light signals and in commercial areas, while asking for financial help.

Taking cognizance of the rampant practice and a plethora of complaints, the Sharjah Police have launched a campaign to curb begging that has assumed a new style. Under the drive, the police will target areas near traffic signals and commercial zones to catch the beggars and street vendors in the act.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Brig Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, commander-in-chief of the Sharjah Police, urged the public not to sympathise with beggars and refrain from providing them support or assistance that would encourage them to engage in illegal activities. “These beggars also distort the aesthetics of a city,” he said.

Brig Al Shamsi said that the police were aware that a number of beggars and street vendors had resorted to new type of begging in some key areas within the emirate of Sharjah. They stand near traffic signals to offer water and juices, and stop the vehicles to attract their attention. By walking amid the traffic, they expose their lives to danger.

He added that such behaviour is socially and legally unacceptable in the country. The items they sell may be unhealthy and there is no guarantee that they are validated, may be they are filling water bottles, from unsafe sources, he cautioned.

Calling on the people not to respond to beggars, he said they can provide their assistance to charity organisations in the country so that the money reaches the right beneficiaries. People must not sympathise with these beggars, as they could be wanted persons or outlaws, Al Shamsi pointed out.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com