The Pernem-Bardez Truck Association held a protest at the Pedne Police Station, calling for action against non-Goans involved in the illegal transportation of large quantities of materials like laterite, gravel, and sand from the border areas of Pedne taluka.
A local resident emphasized the urgent need for the Goa Chief minister to take action to ensure that the "sons of the soil" are able to earn a livelihood through the transportation of goods. They expressed concern that outsiders, who own 12-13 vehicles each, are posing strong competition to locals.
The locals have called on the government to take legal action against those illegally transporting goods. Many of these migrants, who initially worked with the locals, have now become independent truck owners and brought in their families with even more trucks. Locals have observed that these migrants tend to favor their own people, creating a division in the quality of service and the way locals are treated.
Locals urged that migrants, if involved in the business, should collaborate with them, especially when it comes to setting prices. They stressed that migrants should not exploit the hospitality of the locals.