An unfortunate incident took place last week in the State’s capital which should shake the core of social conscience. Although the incident did not receive considerable media coverage, it points at a bigger problem that is looming before the entire State. The problem was apparent earlier but is now becoming more and more evident. Three minor boys ganged up to assault another minor at Miramar last week, on Wednesday.
According to the police, a baseball bat was used in the assault and the reason behind this attempt to murder is even scarier. Therefore, it is high time to seriously ponder over this incident. It is no secret that drug smuggling operations are not new to Goa. The State has been riddled with illegal drug trade for quite some time now. If the sources are to be believed, the above incident apparently occurred due to ganja. Two friends turned enemies over the exchange of drugs which led to a physical fight. Two more then joined the assailant in the assault. In total, there were 18 fatal blows on the body of the victim, who is undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College.
A complaint was filed only after the boy’s condition started to worsen. How did children so young feel cruel enough to launch such grievous violence? These minors are school going children which means their primary focus should be studies. They are supposed to think about their future and walk the steps accordingly. Instead, they seem to have derailed from the tracks and fallen in the dangerous trap of drug addiction. How come students as young as 15 and 17 had access to banned substances? That means such businesses do take place in their surroundings. In that case, this is very disturbing.
The Miramar incident proves that the access to banned substances has become easier for the school and college going students and it needs immediate cogitation. The government needs to dutifully find a solution to this issue which should be nipped in the bud. The stories about drug usage in and around the campuses of the educational institutes are not uncommon for Goa. Some years back there was also news about intoxicating chocolates being sold in the shops which are close to the schools. The demands were made by the parents to find the culprits but after a few days, such chocolates disappeared from the shops. In the interim, the rate of news regarding substance usage by students dropped down. Maybe illegal operations dwindled in the last few years which of course is a good thing if true. However, the Miramar incident has opened a new can of worms. Although the above matter is not about substance usage on the campus, it still deals with illegal drug usage by school going students. The availability of drugs at such a young age is worrisome for parents and should be worrisome for the governing bodies as well. Drug abuse can push an entire generation into ruination and measures should be taken at the earliest. The aggression with which certain individuals behave when unsuccessful in acquiring desired things is also a matter of study. The rise in criminality among minors is a social issue which encompass problems such as sexual harassment cases, stealing and physical fights also. A few years ago a minor boy was kidnapped and then murdered for not getting the demanded money in Miramar itself. This had sent a shockwave among people of Goa, especially parents. The convicts in the case are still serving life imprisonment, one of which is a talented artist. But, one wrong step ruined their entire life. Parents need to be extra cautious of their children and should focus on their moral upbringing. However, it is easier said than done in the era of internet where things which only adults should be aware of, have reached primary level students. This adds more to the responsibility of teachers who, technically, are supposed to do the job of only teaching. Parents and the government should sense this impending doom and take the needful steps.
