By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The growing crime perpetrated by the youth can be controlled by indulging them in various sporting activities, opined many in the state. The Delhi Police in the recent past has sought to take the help of sporting activities among youth to control the rising crime scenario in the national capital. The crime rate in Meghalaya might not be as high but with rising cases of rape, theft, burglary, forgery, impersonation, militancy etc. there is an immediate need for concrete preventive measures .
The Shillong Times spoke to a few people in the State to know their view on the matter.
An elderly gentleman from the town said that young people have natural inclination towards sports here and the government must hone their skills through a proper policy in place. A mother of five said that youths generally lose their way due to lack of guidance, as here employment and other recreational opportunities are minimal. “We have good footballers, boxers, athletes here who have come up completely on their own. A proper sporting arena can actually entice youths to sports as there is limitless scope in it,” she said.
Drug related crimes and drug abuse in the state have risen alarmingly and are threatening the new generation, the respondents added.
A Shillongite, presently posted in Punjab, said that institutes like Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala are encouraging teenagers from across the country to pursue the game of their choice. “Such an institute is a must for the northeastern region where it could help the youth tackle various social malices with the kind of opportunities it can provide ,” he added.
Expressing their distress over the lack of youth policy in the state, the respondents said organizing sporting activities among the risked youths can give them opportunities for positive peer mentoring that can help lower crime.
It is high time, they felt, the government mulled productive ways to counter the long pending social menaces.