TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: Tension prevailed outside the Acacia Hotel at Candolim, as taxi operators affiliated to the North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association gathered in large numbers to protest against proposed entry of private taxi operations in the State.
While private taxi owners were agreeable to the arrival of Ola cabs to set up business trade in Goa, the NGTTOA members opposed these moves and the situation between the two groups was threatening to go out of hand.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo rushed to the site to defuse the tension between the two groups of taxi operators. Lobo intervened in the matter and arranged for a meeting with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on February 28 at 6 pm.
DySP Umesh Gaonkar along with Calangute PI Nilesh Rane and a strong police team also helped in defusing the tensions. Motor Vehicle Inspector Osvin Carvalho and his team from Panjim also rushed to the site at Candolim and discussed the situation with the MLA.
“We have not demanded anything from the government, except an assurance that Ola cabs will not set up their business in our State. We Goans have the right over tourist business in Goa and not outsiders. Allowing outsiders in Goa to run our business will be the greatest mistake and it will kill our own trade in Goa,” said one agitating taxi operator.
Speaking to media persons, Lobo said it was unfortunate that the tourism and transport departments had failed to act and bring about an amicable solution to the vexed issue of the taxi operators.
“A meeting of the aggrieved parties should have been immediately convened to discuss and decide on the issue, or at least, a firm commitment should have come from the government that Ola cabs services would not be permitted in Goa.”
“If we are not ready
to help our own Goans, then who are we going to help? The demands of the NGTTOA should be taken into consideration by the government while coming out with a solution,” said Lobo.
The NGTTOA members later proceeded to Calangute Police Station to complain against the threats by the private taxi operators.
