Drive to round up beggars kicks off in Laghman

MEHTALAM (Pajhwok): A campaign to round up beggars has been launched by a government commission in eastern Laghman province, an official said on Tuesday.

Abdullah Abid, an official at the police headquarters, told Pajhwok Afghan News the campaign was initiated in Mehtarlam, the provincial capital, and all Laghman districts on Monday.

He said: “So far 64 beggar families had been rounded up from different parts of the province. Of them, 39 are deserving and the rest are professional beggars.”

He warned professional beggars to quit the practice, otherwise they would be dealt with according to the law.

The deserving alm-seekers will be introduced to aid agencies for assistance after being registered with the relevant commission.

Meanwhile, some beggars in Mehtarlam hailed the launch of drive and asked the authorities for assistance.

Momina, a resident of Nawabad area of the provincial capital, said: “My husband died 20 years ago. I am the breadwinner for my family … that’s why I’m begging in the city.”

Mohammad Gul, another beggar and breadwinner for two widows, asked the government to provide him with a job.

kk/mud