Turning Point: Gang members agree to make a change for the better in their lives
 Turning Point: Gang members agree to make a change for the better in their lives |
27 August, 2010 – Beginning today, Thimphu city will hear no more of MB boys or Sabjibazaar gang or, for that matter, any of the known gangs. Yesterday, the leaders of two gangs signed a pledge never to form one.
In his interaction with 55 out-of-school gang members, who came forward to disband their gang and reform themselves, the police chief assured them the police were their friends.
“But I can be your deadly foe, if you commit crime,” he warned. “You have to remove the attitude of hitting someone, thinking I’m your friend now,” brigadier Kipchu Namgyel said.
The gang leaders, who seemed rather remorseful over the crimes they committed and for disturbing the public, promised they would obey rules, reform themselves and help the police.
“We truly apologise to our national leaders, parents, families and the public,” a 23-year old gang leader said. “We pledge to discourage other youth from forming and joining gangs,” the other gang leader, a 24-year-old, said.
All gang members, in unison, assured they would abstain from drugs, give up robbery, eve teasing and burglary.
Lack of parental care and guidance, most members, Kuensel spoke with, said was the reason they landed up forming or joining gangs. They all expressed their loath to join schools. While most left school on their own, some were suspended or they faced financial problems.
“I joined my gang because it was fun and it was a happening thing,” an 18-year old said. “I felt secure being a member of a gang.”
A 19-year old woman gang member expressed satisfaction in helping those, who were being bullied or beaten by other gangs.
The new group, who now refer to the police chief as “uncle chief”, said their decision to disband gangs was following his inspirational speech earlier this month when they met.
“We felt upbeat listening to uncle chief’s advice,” a member said. “So we’ve decided to become somebody good and useful to the nation.”
As goodwill ambassadors of the police, whose responsibilities are to disband new gangs or discourage them from forming one, brigadier Kipchu Namgyel said they would be rewarded in cash for providing extensive information on gangs or other criminal activities occurring.
Home secretary Dasho Penden Wangchuk, along with the other partner organizations, declared the official disbanding of gangs and honoured the pledge.
“We’ll help you in whatever is necessary for you, but you shouldn’t do what’s not good for you,” Dasho Penden Wangchuk said.
Source: kuenselonline.com