Dungerpur-The tribal dominant district in Southern Rajasthan has witnessed a troubling increase in stone pelting incidents in the recent years. In response, the police are ramping up their vigilance and introducing a series of innovative measures, including the establishment of social awareness camps.

Dungarpur SP Monica Sain has spearheaded this initiative, aiming to engage and enlighten the youth in the villages. She highlighted that the district is grappling with escalating issues such as stone pelting, robbery, theft, drug abuse, and reckless driving, with a significant number of the perpetrators being young individuals.

To counter these trends, the police are launching this novel approach to steer the younger generation away from criminal activities and towards constructive education and personal growth.

The inaugural phase of this initiative is set to begin on Friday. The social awareness camps will be organized across various villages, where discussions will involve prominent local figures, CLG members, police allies, security assistants, village defenders, school principals, beat officers, and constables.

SP Monica Sain outlined that the camps will focus on several key areas that includes addressing the rising trend of criminal activities among the youth, educating them about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of following MV Act regulations, providing information on the POCSO Act and new laws, raising awareness to prevent involvement in stone pelting, theft, robbery, and drug abuse, and offering guidance on education and career development.

Sagwara MLA Highlights Situation in Assembly

On Thursday, Sagwara MLA Shankarlal Decha raised the current issues and conditions in the Wagad region through a written statement in the Assembly. He pointed out that not a single day passes without reports of stone pelting, robbery, and theft appearing in local newspapers.

Until 2018, the area was considered peaceful, but it has since become highly sensitive. The MLA attributed this shift to a socio-political movement that began in 2018, which he claims has poisoned the minds of local tribal youth and spread misinformation.

He stated that misleading interpretations of constitutional provisions and laws, such as the Fifth Schedule and the Protection of Civil Rights Act of 1955, have led to a belief that tribal individuals are not covered by certain legal provisions.

This misinformation has contributed to the rise in stone pelting, theft, and robbery. Fearing stone pelters, residents are avoiding going out after 7 PM, tarnishing the reputation of the entire tribal community.

He urged the Speaker to address the issue, noting that external elements have started influencing tribal youth, introducing them to drug abuse. He called for the formation of a Special Task Force to control these incidents.