PORVORIM: Patting the back of Goa Police for massive drug seizures, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has not denied the presence of narcotics in the tourist State. In his reply to Governor Satya Pal Malik’s address to the Goa Legislative Assembly, Sawant also took the opportunity to reiterate his claim that about 85 percent crimes are committed by migrants.
“I am not saying there are no drugs (in Goa). It implies presence of drugs… You’ll (Opposition) should appreciate that Goa police has made a seizure of Rs 3 crore approx drugs and is disposing it accordingly under the close observation of police higher ups,” he said.
“We are a tourist State and not everyone can be checked but police are keeping a vigil… The anti- narcotics cell is very serious and sensitive on this issue. We will not compromise on drugs,” the CM added.
Being a tourist destination, Sawant added that Goa has an influx of outsiders including migrants. He stated that 85 percent crimes are committed by migrants. Most of these migrants, who belong to the labour class, are mushrooming against the backdrop of Goans refusing to accept jobs such as those at construction sites, etc.
On Tuesday, the Chief Minister had stated that besides taking action against illegal migrants, the Goa government will also tighten the noose around landlords, who illegally rent out rooms to tenants.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat raised concern over the rise in drug and prostitution cases. He also sought to know from the government, the details about the disposal of seized drugs, fearing its possible re-circulation in the market.
On the tourism front, the Chief Minister admitted that there has been a slowdown in Goa’s tourism sector and attributed it to the ‘economic slowdown’. The infrastructure on the beaches, he said, has been upgraded. He further stated that the government will now be focusing on promoting medical, hinterland and eco- tourism. There was however no statement made on the long pending Tourism Policy, a matter which was raised by the Leader of Opposition during the discussion on the Governor’s address.
