Team Herald
MARGAO: In a mark of solidarity with the prevailing public opposition to hosting of Sunburn festival in South Goa, a large number of citizens not just from the South District but also from the North, held a protest rally on Saturday morning, outside the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex, Margao.
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The locals added that this was coming together of like-minded citizens and was not connected to any political affiliations.
While the common demand was for not to allow Sunburn in South Goa, the locals from Pernem taluka, who were present for the protest, said this is a demand to not allow Sunburn to take place in any part of Goa, North or the South.
One of the woman protestors, who said she is a mother and knows many parents too who do not want the youth to fall prey to the vices associated with the festival.
“First, they finished North Goa. Now they want to come here to finish South Goa as well,” she remarked.
The public also demanded to know where the festival will be held and shared various venues where they heard it might be held, such as Mobor beach, Betul-Quitol or in land belonging to the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).
Roque Mascarenhas from Curtorim also touched upon how “The Curtorim MLA had not come out publicly to oppose the festival though he was present for the last Curtorim gram sabha, which had unanimously opposed hosting of the festival in the district.”
Locals said it is public record how festival goers have been found consuming drugs during previous editions of the festival.
Another person protesting, Gerson Gomes, emphasised that Sunburn is not a representation of Goan culture at all.
“Instead of Sunburn, why doesn’t the government focus on promoting festivals that will showcase Goan talent? We have musicians who travel from Goa to other States, etc, to perform. Have a festival for Goan artistes,” said Gomes.
Others like Vikas Bhagat concurred and said that a festival that is synonymous with Goan culture should be promoted instead. Others also said things using the Ghumot which is part of Goa’s identity should be promoted at this alternative Goan-centric festival.
Later, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) State convenor Amit Palekar, Velim MLA Cruz Silva and party leader Valmiki Naik were also present and addressed the gathering.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Valmiki Naik stated that the reason some the government and certain ministers keep talking about how permissions will not be granted but at the last minute permission is known to all, hinting at various benefits coming to those who allow the festival to take place.
MLA Cruz Silva emphasised that the people of South Goa do not want the festival in the district, other protestors said the narrative being offered by those defending the festival on the grounds that it will boost tourism, is misleading.
Certain sarpanchas and tourism stakeholders who are promoting the festival were also criticised for ignoring the demands of the citizens at large.
