Anti-Sunburn protesters have warned that, today’s protest in Margao against the Sunburn festival is just the spark, and if the government starts the move to bring sunburn in South Goa, there will be a flare-up . Various social activists and Aam Aadmi Party leaders from South Goa have united in opposition to Sunburn and have sounded the alarm in Margaon, opp District collector’s office on Saturday. They have resolved that, regardless of the circumstances, they will not allow the Sunburn to tarnish South Goa. The protesters also vowed that every household in South Goa will stand against it.
After the High Court invalidated the Sunburn festival in North Goa, the organizers have shifted their focus to South Goa. The government has shown a lenient stance towards Sunburn, with many ministers, including the Chief Minister, expressing support for the festival. However, the announcement of Sunburn’s move to South Goa has sparked strong opposition from locals. Social workers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, and professionals from South Goa have all voiced their strong objections to the festival. They argue that the negative impacts seen in North Goa, such as drug use and crime, should not be allowed to spread into South Goa. The protesters have announced that they will present a united statement to the South Goa District Collector on Monday to express their opposition.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Gerson Gomes, one of the protesters, stated that there are three potential venues for the Sunburn festival in South Goa: Defexpo, IDC Verna, and Mibor. However, the Sunburn organizers have not yet provided definite information about the venue, and the government has not clarified whether permission has been granted for the festival. Despite this, the protestors have questioned how the organizers can start selling tickets online for the event without official confirmation.
WHAT PROTESTORS SAY…
Cruz Silva (MLA, AAP):
“We don’t want South Goa to suffer the same cultural destruction that Sunburn brought to North Goa. The conscientious people of South Goa still preserve our Goan culture. I urge the government not to ruin our young generation by bringing Sunburn here. We used to hear about drugs being available on beaches and in colleges, but now they have infiltrated our schools. We don’t want this in South Goa. We will address this issue, and all the panchayats here will pass resolutions against Sunburn. I urge everyone to join this movement.”
Amit Palekar (President, AAP):
“If the Chief Minister is so fond of Sunburn, he should host it on his property in his constituency. The Tourism Minister should celebrate it too. Or take it to the assembly area. Today, drugs are rampant in Goa, affecting even the police department. There is a circular about this. The people of South Goa are against Sunburn. Why is the government trying to impose this festival on us?”
Valmiki Naik (Vice President AAP)
“Sunburn is a festival of corruption. Why is it allowed to proceed without final approval until the last minute? How can they start online ticket sales four months in advance without permission? Because they know they can manage Goa’s politicians at the last moment. Ministers and Sunburn organizers are confident they can buy their way through. This is a business involving the police, politicians, and drug peddlers.”
James Fernandes (Protester, Kudchade):
“Despite Goa’s independence, many social problems have arisen due to our politicians’ wrong and selfish decisions. Today, there is an atmosphere of fear in South Goa. Sunburn is a festival that threatens the future of Goan youth. It is not a festival of Goa. This protest is just the beginning. The government should ensure it doesn’t escalate further.”
