VASCO: The Goa Miles taxi operators and tourist taxi operators clashed near the Dabolim airport on Wednesday.
The trouble started when Goa Miles taxi operators stopped some tourist taxis from North Goa and asked for their badges etc. Reacting to this, the North Goa taxi operators rushed to Dabolim in support of their tourist taxi operators.
A Goa Miles taxi operator alleged that some tourist taxi operators from North Goa stopped his car, assaulted him and threatened of dire consequences if he visits Calangute and Anjuna areas.
Another, Goa Miles taxi operator also said, “Hostility from tourist taxi operators especially from North Goa towards us is increasing. If such things continue then why should we allow them to come to Dabolim airport?”
Later, Vasco Police rushed to the site where over 50 Goa Miles taxi operators had gathered and had stopped some tourist taxis. The police managed to pacify and disperse the crowd.
Chetan Kamat of All Goa Tourist Taxi Union claimed that they along with other taxi operators had to rush to the Dabolim airport from North Goa after they learnt that one of the taxi operators was restrained and assaulted and someone even kicked his taxi.
Kamat informed that they have several times requested the Chief Minister to resolve the issue between the taxi operators.
He said most Goa Miles taxi operators are non-Goans and demanded that the Goan taxi operators should get business for their survival.
He also demanded that the parameters put on the Goan taxi operators such as 25 years residential certificate, medical, etc, should be also strictly levied on the Goa Miles taxi operators.
Sunil Naik of All Goa Yellow Black Taxi Association said clashes between the Goan and non-Goan taxi operators are bound to take place. All taxis operating in Goa are for the Goans to earn their livelihood.
“Why no fine has been imposed on Goa Miles taxi operators who charge fares below the gadget rates and steal our business. We are shocked that some Goan taxi operators are blocked forcefully on the road, this is alarming and Goans should now wake up,” Naik added.
