MARGAO: With every passing day, voices against the proposed Sunburn EDM festival in South Goa is getting shriller, with the village panchayats of Raia and Camorlim in the Curtorim constituency now opposing to this big ticket event.
Both panchayats firmly declared their opposition to hosting the festival in South District, citing concerns over drugs and disturbance to the tranquility of the region.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Sarpanch of Raia village panchayat, Peter Quadros and Sarpanch of Camorlim village panchayat, Basilio Fernandes voiced their concerns about the potential impact of events like Sunburn on the youth of their villages.
Even before the issue is formally discussed in the gram sabha, the Raia panchayat unanimously opposed the Sunburn festival during its monthly meeting. In addition, they also advocated for recognition of Roman script for Konkani language, under the Official Language Act.
It is worth noting that Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginald Lourenco, who holds significant influence over the Raia panchayat body, has not yet announced his position on the Sunburn festival issue. Despite this, the panchayats have unequivocally voiced their objections, demonstrating strong opposition based on their concerns about potential impact on the young generation.
Sarpanch Peter Quadros stated that there is a widespread awareness that the Sunburn event is associated with drugs and alcohol.
“Villagers of Raia don’t want their younger generation to attend this festival and get spoiled,” he said emphatically.
“This younger generation are future pillars of our village and the state of Goa, and we need to protect them from possible destruction,” he added.
He further informed that the panchayat body has also resolved to demand equal status for Roman script in the official language act.
The proposal for the inclusion of Roman script was moved by Panch Xavier Fernandes, informed the Sarpanch.
Basilio Fernandes, Sarpanch of the village panchayat Camorlim, criticized the elected representatives of the Goa assembly for remaining silent on the issue of the proposed Sunburn festival.
He pointed out that these representatives are aware of the event’s direct or indirect links to drugs and anti-social activities, yet many of them have not taken a stand on the Sunburn.
“The government and the MLAs themselves admit that the Sunburn event has a connection with drugs. However, instead of outrightly rejecting the festival, they are remaining silent and indirectly supporting it,” he charged.
He emphasised that it’s not just the people of South Goa, but the entire state who need to oppose this event.
“All the political leaders are hand in gloves,” he further alleged.
Both the Sarpanchas have informed O Heraldo that this issue will be deliberated in the next gram sabha, and a resolution will be passed to oppose it.
