TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Activist and Advocate Satish Sonak on Monday asked the Manohar Parrikar-government to demand swearing-in affidavit from tourists visiting the casinos along with an attested proof of residence, in a bid to ensure no Goans enter the vessel as was the promise made by the ruling coalition in 2012 year.
The activist, at a press briefing on Monday, also strongly opposed the reduction of entry fees for onshore and offshore casinos from Rs 2000 to Rs 500 as this was encouraging gambling in the casinos while also demanding to introduce a special law prohibiting all types of gambling and matkas ~ which is seeing a rising trend in zatras (Hindu feast), especially in Sattari.
“The tourists should be asked to submit an affidavit proving they are not locals and an attested copy of their native residence. This will discourage Goan youth from entering the casinos because the reduced entry fee is affordable in the present times,” Sonak, coordinator of Goa Peoples’ Forum said.
Demanding a crackdown on matkas, Sonak, supported by Sattari Yuva Morcha said he will take up the issue with Goa Human Rights Commission since gambling/matka is the major cause for broken marriages and disturbs family life. He has asked the local citizens to film on their mobile phone the illegal activity flourishing at zatras.
The activist, at a press briefing on Monday, strongly opposed the reduction of entry fees for onshore and offshore casinos from Rs 2000 to Rs 500 as this was encouraging gambling in the casinos
