CANDOLIM: The Candolim Senior Citizens Association highlighted the grievances faced by them as well as plaguing the village at a press conference on Tuesday. Few of the issues highlighted by them are prostitution, harassment of women, non-functional police stations and other issues. They also suggested some measures to make movement free for all women and Candolim a better place.

One of the senior citizens and committee member of the association, Philomena Dias pointed out that the tourist who travel by overcrowded buses venture close to the women to touch them. CCTV cameras should be fitted in the buses plying between Mapusa and the coastal belt. The same should be monitored on a regular basis. Girls have to be assisted by their brothers or fathers to the college to save them from this nightmare. Traveling on the streets is not safe either as ladies and girls are being harassed and followed.

“The police station are almost non-functional as the police are busy challaning the two wheeler riders travelling without a helmet. Nuisance against women should be handled from the police headquarters with the help of mobile vans. A women cell should be opened in these areas. Prostitution and soliciting of customers for anti-social activities in front of star hotels should be terminated. Mixed massaged should be banned at the beaches as well as salons,” she said.

“There should be dress code for all tourist and holidays makers who are visiting points like malls, markets and places of worship. The image of Goan women has been destroyed by Hindi films” she added.

Women staying alone and single women are harassed as their doors are knocked by strangers at mid-night. Candolim has become a hub of high-profile calls girls and professional prostitution which gives a bag image of the innocent local girls.

Another senior citizen said that all the planning of the village has gone for a toss. “People are busy fighting here and there is no rest. This is the darkest period in Goa’s history. Nobody thinks of this village anymore. Everything looks great here but it is not,” he said.