Youngsters take over BT Park
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 18 2012: Bir Tikendrajit Park, popularly known as BT Park which was basically developed to provide some space for recreation to old and retired people is now literally taken over by youngsters.

The historic park which is also a landmark for Imphal city has now become a popular meeting point for young lovers.

A large number of unmarried couples and groups of youngsters most of whom are clad in western attires can be seen in every corner of the park making fun and enjoying each others' company.

Rather than sitting on the benches, these pairs of youngsters prefer to sit on the ground reclining on the shoulders of each other.

In addition to enjoying snacks and other eatables, some boys would lie down on the ground and listen to music from their laptops together with their girl friends.

Though such postures and conduct may not be an issue in western countries and metropolitan cities, it has turned out to be an eyesore to the many eldery citizens who come to the park to while away some time in their otherwise idle life.

Young boys and girls whiling away at BT Park

This is understandable in view of the cultural background and traditions with which the older generations were brought up.

With more and more girls and boys invading BT Park, the number of older persons who used to come to the park for a few hours of recreation has gradually declined.

An 81 year old man from Wahengbam Leikai said in the past elder persons used to while away their time sitting together and discussing all kinds of topics at local grounds in the evening.

But with the rise in population, all those grounds have disappeared.

It has become really hard nowadays to find any suitable space for old persons to pass their time peacefully.

"Left with no other option, I used to go to BT Park every day for recreation in the evening which was in fact an exercise in itself.

But today, I feel rather disturbed and offended on seeing those young boys and girls playing sweet-hearts in a public place like BT Park", the octogenarian said.

He appealed to the authority concerned to reserve the park for old persons for certain hours in a day.

A few years back, only old persons used to visit BT Park in the evening and they could peacefully while away their in recreation.

Like BT Park, Indira Park which is basically meant for kids has become a happy hunting ground for young lovers.