Senior citizens in Bangalore were today told to take advantage of the ‘Hello Neighbo-urhood’ initiative of the Bangalore City Police that encourages elders to establish and maintain communication links with their community and families and desist from isolating themselves. Launching an awareness rally on ‘Crime against Elders’ held to mark World Elders’ Day today, both Home Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge and City Police Commissioner H T Sangliana sought to impress on the senior citizens the need for them to maintain communication channels in view of the rise in crimes against elders.
Mr Sangliana said that the busting of a terrorist hideout in the City recently has emphasised the need for responsive neighborhoods. Community bonhomie can deter such elements from taking roots in the City, he observed.
Mr Kharge, who noted that the number of elders opting to live alone was on the rise, felt that the police force must take it upon itself to enquire after such citizens within respective jurisdictions. He also reiterated the need for a census of the elderly population in the City.
Bureau Report