The Gram Sabha of Cana Benaulim village in South Goa on Sunday formally passed a resolution to ban migrants from running traditional and toursim-centric businesses in the village jurisdiction citing lack of business opportunities for local youth and law and order issues. They have also resolved to ban granting of licenses to migrants for running businesses ranging from fishing to running of restaurants.
“That the interest of locals in traditional coastal occupations and services like fishing, shack operations, tourist taxi operations, garment and jewellery business, salons and massage parlours, restaurant business, etc., should be protected and others should not be allowed to run these activities, directly or indirectly,” the resolution said.
“That the illegal activities carried on by the migrants, like drug peddling, prostitution and criminal intimidation must be investigated by the law enforcing authorities and the persons responsible should be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code,” the resolution also says.
The conflict between local residents and migrants, particularly the members of the traditionally nomadic Banjara community,began in December last, but rise further just ahead of the state’s ongoing international tourism season which started in October.
A taxi service operated by a member of the nomadic community, allegedly in contravention of norms, was the reason leading to the conflict.Because of this issue, locals are now refusing to allow Banjaras to conduct their business in the village jurisdiction.
The resolution of Sunday claims increased in-migration has led to change in the village’s demography and placed a burden on its limited infrastructure.
The very identity of a Goan is at risk.This uncontrolled migration must be checked right away through lawful means by the Panchayat and the Government of Goa on the whole,” the resolution reads, while also accusing migrants of allegedly indulging in unlawful activities.
Banjaras are mostly involved in the seasonal tourism trade, selling trinkets and handmade clothes along the coastline to tourists.
“The locals from Benaulim think we are against them and are taking away their business. But no one wants to go against the local people. We do not want to do business by upsetting local customs. But this incident is unfortunate because it started with one taxi operator. And now others from the community are being made a scapegoat,” Suresh Rajput, president of the Goa Banjara Samaj said.
