MARGAO: Benaulim villagers held another corner meeting in Pulvado ward near Patrocino chapel to create an awareness of the danger posed by the Lamanis or migrants to the future of the sons of the soil as they slowly and surely are taking over their traditional occupations.
Speaking to the gathered people Seby Fernandes pointed out that one Vasu Malgimani was the cause of all problems. “This Vasu was just driving a taxi earlier and today he has purchased a taxi; in fact, he wanted to purchase seven taxis. From where he got the money is a great mystery,” he said adding that the same Vasu has already constructed a bungalow in Benaulim.
He said that Vasu tried to create communal disturbance during the Ganesh festival this year by playing music very loud and serving alcohol and chicken during the Ganesh celebrations organised by him at Pedda and pointed out that for Goans alcohol is taboo during Ganesh which is also a purely vegetarian festival.
He accused some politicians of supporting the migrants and accused them of willing to help the migrants as they vote en bloc while ignoring the problems faced by Goans and pointed out that while last year the Lamanis had promised to keep Vassu out of Benaulim this year they are saying, “it is your problem and you should solve it.”
“Many of our youngsters wanted to thrash this Vasu but we have advised them to maintain peace as violence is not a solution,” he said while asking the people to remain united.
Cyriaco Barreto pointed out that the panchayat has issued licences to Goans to run the shops with a condition that it will not be sublet. He lamented that still the shops are being sublet and got the people to resolve that the shops should not be sublet to Lamanis.
Grrayfans Fernandes urged the people to attend all corner meetings and also be present for the panchayat meeting on October 15 following which there will be a special gram sabha and finally a grand public meeting at Dando grounds which he said all should attend.
Jose Fernandes said he was the person whom Vasu threatened to kill along with nine others and said it was time for all people to come together against these migrants who are threatening to take over entire Goa.
Mario Fernandes and Cliff who had rented out their shops to Lamanis for the last many years but have now evicted them were also present for the meeting. Both admitted that initially the rent paid was meager and disclosed that though the rent had increased in present times, the payments were irregular.
Mario who has been renting out his shops for around 15 years said he has been changing the person at his shop regularly because of nonpayment of rent. Cliff, who has been giving out three shops for the last around 20 years, has evicted all and is now preparing to run the shops himself.
