Hmmm...interesting.
On the day of the VAT strike, I was unsure if i should go to work and open
our family liquor shop in the middle of Margao.
I personally did not support the stike as it seemed too late, and would not
make any difference. Thought I have problems with the way VAT was suddenly
implemented, I support VAT as it would greatly reduce complications and
simplify the current buisness deals....well that was my view,...back to the
strike...
It was 9.20am, and as I was entering Margao, I saw most shops had the
shutters down. At Kharebandh, a group of goons were patroling the area and
forcefully shutting down shops that defied the ban. If this strike was
voluntary, then why force, i wondered to myself as i nervously rode on to my
shop. There were however, a few half opened shops in the city.
When i got there, we opened half the shutter and were ready for buisness. We
recieved a lot of blank calls. It was basically goons calling us to find out
if we were open or not. We could sell only to known customers, not to
strangers, least it be a spy who would buy something and then return with a
stone throwing mob. We soon realized that it was pointless risking being
stoned and at 10.30, we closed for the day.
Outside, there was a different city of Margao. There were hardly any people
on the streets. Traffic was trickling and the atmosphere was uncertain. As I
was returning home, I saw mobs here and there, but what I also noticed was
that the police was missing. There was absolutely NO police (including
traffic police) in sight.
Then suddenly I braked to stop as a mob of goons crossed the road infront of
me, making their way to Lounghinos, a famous city restaurant owned by the
Coutino-Almeidas. While the owners tried to stop the goons from entering,
customers were shooed out, some even while they were munching their meals.
When they were out, the restaurant was made to close. I left as a scuffle
beween the mob and the owner begun.
On my way home, I now saw all the shops closed. I saw no police that day.
Should the police be indoors when there was a law and order problem all over
the city? There was nobody to answer.
Clinton..
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
A/S/L = 24/m/Benaulim,Goa
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 13:31:44 +0530 (IST)
From: "Frederick Noronha (FN)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Goanet]Cause for concern?
Reply-To: [email protected]
In a report titled "Goa traders' anti-VAT bandh total", Raju Naik in the
Indian Express dated April 20, 2005 has this to state:
In some places, police were also seen threatening
shop owners to close down. Traders allege that
the police were appointed by (the) former BJP
regime, and were enforcing the party agenda.
Something to think about? FN
_____
_/ ____\____ Frederick Noronha * Freelance Journalist * Goa
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