By Johnson D’Silva The recent Mungul–Fatorda attempt-to-murder case — involving multiple accused from different backgrounds, including migrants — is a chilling reminder of how far we have drifted from the Goa we once knew. There was a time when *our villages were peaceful, our youth respectful*, and violent crime was almost unheard of. Today, we are reading about *gang assaults, knife fights, and organised crime* with alarming regularity.
The *growing influx of migrants* has undeniably brought with it a mixed impact. While many come here to work honestly and contribute to society, a *disturbing number are getting involved in criminal activities — from thefts to assaults to narcotics trafficking*. Unfortunately, some Goan youths, once innocent and community-oriented, are being drawn into these circles. *Peer pressure, easy money, and the lure of a fast life are replacing the values of hard work, respect, and simplicity* that our elders instilled in us. *Narcotics*, in particular, are casting a long and dark shadow over Goa’s younger generation. Drugs are not only destroying lives but also fuelling the very crimes we now see in our headlines. The combination of substance abuse, gang culture, and lack of meaningful opportunities is a ticking time bomb. As a *senior citizen* who has seen *Goa’s transition over decades, I cannot remain silent*. If our leaders, law enforcement, and society at large don’t address these issues now — with stronger policing, community engagement, and moral education — we risk losing the very soul of Goa. *Our youth deserve a future built on education, opportunity, and dignity* — not on crime, drugs, and broken dreams.
