Herald: Your statement that Nigerians are a problem not only in Goa but pan-India has triggered debate. What prompted you to make such a statement?
Dilip Parulekar: Whatever I said were my personal views with no malafied intentions of hurting any community or race. Going by the number of incidents and cases reported in the media about Nigerians both in Goa and India, anyone will arrive at such a conclusion.
Herald: Do you feel these Nigerians manage to prolong their stay in Goa by involving themselves in criminal activities?
Parulekar: This is a subject matter for the Home Department. We have Nigerians who come to Goa as tourists and those who come as students. It is the law enforcing agency that would be looking into these issues.
Herald: The government has failed to set up a detention centre. As tourism minister how do you intend to ensure the long delayed proposal is expedited?
Parulekar: This is a matter dealt by the Home Department and not tourism. I can only suggest to the government that such a measure be given priority. Tourism cannot interfere in matters relating to the Home department. The government is working on some measures and I am sure, a solution will be worked out soon.
