Guwahati residents live in fear as miscreants have a field day

GUWAHATI: Residents of Lakhtokia, Panbazar, SS Road, Fancy Bazar and parts of AT Road in Guwahati are a worried lot with miscreants from slum areas near the railway tracks looting and attacking many people in recent times.
"The situation has worsened over the last few months. It's extremely dangerous for people to walk these roads after 9 pm. Some miscreants from the slums, who are addicted to alcohol and other stuff, snatch wallets and other valuables from locals.Of late, an group has joined them to rob people," said Nekib Iman Saikia.
The residents have already dismantled some structures where illegal liquor was sold and also staged a protest seeking action from police and the administration after several train passengers were attacked.
"We have already lodged complaints with Panbazar Police, Government Railway Police Force (GRPF) and women's police regarding this. But the illegal activities haven't ceased," added Saikia.
Padma Shri awardee social worker and former MLA Ajoy Dutta said lack of coordination between police and GRPF has failed to solve the problem. "This can lead to a dangerous situation. Though we have complained many times, the response from police is not encouraging. The policemen keep on pointing fingers at each other," added Dutta.
According to Saikia, at least four to five such cases take place in a day. "Some people, especially train passengers, hardly go to the police station for lodging complaints. So, some of these incidents go unreported," said Saikia.
However, police said they have taken action and the crime rate has come down to a great extent.