Sambalpur: Crowds of “Jajabara” in Sambalpur, disabled and small children suffering in the heat
Sambalpur, May 4 (IANS) A large number of Jajabara have come from outside the state and are now flocking to Sambalpur. More than 500 such Jajabara were spotted during the month of Ramadan. Among them were a large number of small children, disabled. They rallied from the zilla school square to the circuit house road. They wandered around the city during the day, cooking and sleeping on the streets in front of the zilla school new arches, and on the circuit house. When asked, they said they were originally from Uttar Pradesh and had come to Sambalpur every year to ask for Ramadan. At the time, they were relying on donations and almsgiving. Also selling balloons, small toys.
They have been living in their villages for four months since the monsoon, while at other times they have been camping in various cities like Bilaspur, Rayagada, Rourkela, Raipur, Ranchi. From that temporary camp they goes back to different cities sells and begs. Locals have demanded that the police be monitored and taken care of. But since Eid is over, most of them have returned to their homes. Others have said they will leave in a day or two.
According to Rasida, 55, a native of Sham district in Uttar Pradesh, she has been coming to Sambalpur every year for 35 years with her family. They live in their villages on rainy days and the rest in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. From there they go to Koraput, including Rayagada, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir. She spent most of his life wandering the streets.
Similarly, Samima Begum, 27, a native of Jhansi district, has five children. Her husband cooks while she takes care of the child. They live in Rourkela and go to different places throughout the year to beg and run their families.
