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Gang menace

18 June 2010

Is Thimphu safe today?

Going by what is happening in the streets of Thimphu, the capital city is no more safe as it used to be years ago.

The advent of M Boys, Junior Bacteria, Wave Boys et al. has indeed made the residents of Thimphu think twice before they come out in the streets, especially at night.

Formed by young boys armed with knives and other weapons, these gangs have become bold enough to create havoc even in broad daylight. They fight among themselves, intimidate people, vandalize property, drink alcohol and take drugs, and commit larceny.

An eye witness recounted an incident where a gang of five boys armed with knives chased a boy above the Changlingmithang stadium in broad daylight. Such scenes were seen only in films but now it is happening in our streets.

Gangs existed in Thimphu in the early 90s. But many of it gradually vanished. But gangs have once again resurfaced. What could be the reason for the return of gang culture?

Youth unemployment is one of the reasons. Without a gainful employment, the youth have nothing better to do to make money. Lack of recreational facilities adds to this. The youth have nothing productive to engage themselves in. Ironically, the few recreational facilities in the capital have become the meeting place for gang members.

The influence of the media is also one of the factors. Violence and bloodshed in films, videogames, and the internet are swaying the Bhutanese youth towards groupism and gang culture. They try to imitate what they see, hear and read in the media.

The law enforcement body is helpless. They catch the gang members but all they can do is charge sheet them under battery for which the miscreants get a light sentence. The penal code of Bhutan has no specific reference to gangs and the crimes committed by it.

Gangs in the country should be nipped in the bud. Before this small gangs become capable of committing crimes that can threaten the security of the country, our law makers should make specific and stringent laws to control the menace.

Similarly, other stakeholders, including parents, ordinary citizens and the government should work closely to create an ambience conducive to bring up our youth in the best possible way.

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Posted by Bhutan Observer · Filed Under Editorial 

Comments

2 Responses to “Gang menace”

  1. phuntsho on June 21st, 2010 12:12 pm

    it’s really alarming.

    our authorities should respond to this threat before it’s too late.

  2. Kota on June 22nd, 2010 8:41 am

    Dear Chief of Police, Are you reading this? Can you give your attention here too.

    We know you are doing a lot, we very much appreciate this.

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