Unfortunately, such incidents which are on the rise in Goa, is a clear reflection of the poor and bad governance afflicting our State. Sadly, the Police appear to be in hibernation with ineffective policing and pathetic intelligence collection. Senior and good Police Officers have been clearly cold shouldered, apparently giving rise to discontentment with new recruits unable to handle tough situations with corruption embedded even for prized postings, thus resulting in inefficiency in the force – across the spectrum. The Government of the day is solely responsible for this mess. It has no proper Tourism Policy in place and when the objective is to make a fast buck, the State is bound to suffer. The certain kind of tourists invading Goa are not the kind which either promotes tourism nor welcomed by Goans. If the Government sleeps over such matters, Goa will become an “unsafe” destination which will spell death knell for tourism – the golden goose on which much of our economy is currently dependent.
– Carlos Alvares Ferreira,
Legal luminary
Lawlessness is the order of the day! Under the leadership of the current Chief Minister, crime has reached new heights in the state. And we have only the ruling BJP to blame. The sheer incompetence and dumbfounded nature of the head of state leads to such antisocial elements pulling out guns in broad daylight. The only solution is to elect a non BJP government since the face of the current CM is considered a joke not just by people who have a right to vote but even by little kids who consider the CM to be a “Pappu”. The buck stops with the Chief Minister and if Goa needs to change course and correct the mess we are in, the BJP needs to be shown the door. People believe if the BJP can commit crimes like buying MLA’s overnight, who’s to stop them from attacking Goans. They say, people get the government they deserve, but in this case Pramod Sawant also is not aware whether he deserved to be CM and a result of which has led to such a mess in the state of Goa.
– Nolan Antâo,
Executive in hospitality industry
I don’t know about becoming the Wild West but as a woman and citizen it’s definitely a rising concern. It’s hitting closer to home these days. Pandemic is making people desperate and things are looking bleak. Starting the economy is one way to insure less pressure on the youths of our country.
– Poonam Ribo, Entrepreneur
It is disturbing to read about such criminal activities so frequently. We have laws but sadly, very little implementation. Murders, rapes, fights, are increasing because people are aware that with a little ‘setting’, they can get away after committing a crime, and can escape punishment. I believe, strict implementation of rules/laws and harsh punishments to such offenses can make criminals think twice before committing any kind of filthy act. Moreover, it is every citizen’s responsibility and not just that of authoritarians’, to make sure they don’t facilitate anyone’s criminal act. For instance, seling of ammunition to or by people without the required license, or selling strong acids without prescription, is against law, and it indirectly makes them a part of the upcoming crime. If authorities and common citizens act consciously, it can definitely serve in reducing these crimes.
– Mrunalini Pai, Student
In my point of view, Goa has already turned into a wild west. We Goans will never feel safe till the government takes strict actions against the current happenings in the state (fights, rapes,etc).
The government should stop the influx of migrants in the state as Goa has been witnessing a lot of crimes recently. And also the government should try to change the tourism policy by focusing on the high end tourist.
As Goa is been portrayed a state for drugs, cheap alcohol, prostitution, etc the government should take a deeper look into the matter.
In addition the government should act on the land mafias as the coastal belt has already been sold out and their targeting the hinterland of Goa. Strict measures and action should be taken by the government before Goa is completely destroyed and rates of crime increases wherein we locals might not be able to move out freely.
– Salma Fernandes, Student
Go Goa Gone….it’s shocking to know that crimes like these have been taking place in a peaceful state like Goa. Everyday, there is a scary new Goa with rapes, robberies, kidnappings, stabbing and now guns too. Where are we heading? What is happening? What’s in store for the future Goa and for our youngsters? With such incidents, Goa soon may become the next Western country where people will roam freely with guns and open fire at the drop of a hat. If we want to preserve our Goa the only solution is to give severe punishments to the culprit, law and order has to be in place so then one may think twice before committing any of these hideous crimes.
– Dolcy Alvares, Student
It’s no secret that we often resort to violence whenever someone or something irks us. ‘Don’t mess with me or else..’ Just issuing a threat isn’t enough; we go to the extent of hurting them violently. The youth of today are heavily influenced by different mediums that portray violence. Main stream media undoubtedly projects that violence is the ‘cooler’ option instead of just letting go. Movies and TV shows go out of their way to glamourize that owning guns or sharp knives and using them is normal, that dominating over women is alright. Perhaps the only way to be humane in this violent world is to change our mindsets -we don’t need to kill or rape someone to ‘teach them a lesson.’ As young blood of this nation, we need to curb our violent tendencies and learn to respect others the way we would want to be respected and treated. We are rational beings after all.
– Anushka Dsouza, Student
We need a more responsible Home minister, more patrols and vigilance from police. They should request local businesses and hotels to report suspect tourists. We also need a tourism minister and home minister who care about Goa. The elections are coming don’t shirk your duty
– Joseph Rodrigues, Entrepreneur
