Daijiworld News Network - Udupi/Manipal (GA)

Udupi, May 17: For long End Point at Manipal has been a lovers' paradise. The scenic beauty of the spot has much to do with the number of "made for each other" couples flocking to the place.

But at the same time the spot has constantly been hitting headlines for some other reasons too. The reclusive spot has been seen by many as the apt place for immoral and illegal activities while for many desperate souls, it has served as the perfect place to end their lives. Despite the Manipal police keeping a vigilant eye on the spot to curb flesh trade and other illegal activities, such activities go unabated.

One of the reasons for this might be that the spot is very near to a famous education hub where students from all over the world come for higher studies in medicine, technology, IT etc. 

Manipal is a mini India and there is no dearth for any treasure and pleasure here.  Resources are plenty for those who know how to tap them and misuse them.

Though the residents have been constantly complaining about the increasing pace of illegal activities at End Point, authorities concerned have turned a deaf ear to the problems.

Earlier there was a gate erected by MAHE which was removed a few months ago owing to the proposed construction of District Complex at End Point. Since people had to walk about a kilometers distant to reach End Point, the number of people going to the place was less. But ever since the gate has been removed it has provided easy and quick access to people and vehicles.  This has been a blessing for those who visit the place.

Accordingly, not only the number of families going to the place has increased but also the number of students visiting the area, mostly riding two-wheelers. Perhaps it has become quite uncontrollable.

Now the complaint is that most of the families coming to the place for relaxation come across scenes which embarrass them. Most of the young couples are found in compromising positions which is not at all acceptable by a healthy society. Most of the youngsters are either from hostels or those who are living away from their families owing to their studies. It is quite clear that there is no one who can put at least some kind of restrictions on them. It is alleged that matrons and wardens of hostels encourage these kinds of immoral and illegal activities.

The time restrictions in the hostels are just on papers and one can find hardly a few students in the hostel following the time-table. Those who stay as paying guests of course do not have any restrictions.

These students are often found at End Point exploring the 'scenic beauty' of the spot which most of the time is indeed an embarrassment for middle-aged couples or families who come to the place on evening stroll or for relaxation.  After several complaints to the Manipal police, the latter have now begun a round-the-clock visit to End Point.

The police visit the place a number of times each day and whenever they come across any couple in compromising positions, the latter are warned and at times taken to the custody even. Now being a holiday time, couples from far-off places too flock to End Point to escape from the eyes of their parents and known ones.

The sources said that the present 24/7 duty by the Manipal police has been quite useful. It might take quite some time for their efforts to show fruit, but until then one can only hope the youth themselves realize their folly and stop their illegal activities before they are forced to by the police and community.