Unchecked migrant influx will erase identity: Khalap
PANJIM, APRIL 19- Former Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Ramakant Khalap said that the massive influx of migrants into Goa will soon turn it into another Singapore, where one hardly gets to see an indigenous Singaporean; the same could happen here.
Speaking at a debate on 'The Goan Identity' organised by HCN, a 24-hour news and entertainment channel, advocate Khalap said such massive migration to Goa must be checked, or the identity and culture of our past generations will be lost forever.
"We cannot allow migrants, who are coming in alarming proportions, to convert Goa into a slum," he said, pointing out that they had acquired ration cards and residence certificates, and are being used as vote banks by politicians who are giving them the benefits of social security schemes.
Dr Rajan Parrikar, a Goan who has lived in the United States of America for over 20 years, said that the Goan identity is unique and is found nowhere else in India. He lamented that undesirable filthy-rich outsiders are cutting hills and putting up huge constructions. Goans have lost their souls and accomplished nothing, he said, calling on the government to enact a law that will prevent non-Goans from acquiring property in Goa.
Advocate Jos Peter D'Souza said that a large number of Goans live in Mumbai. Earlier they came each year to their homeland by boat during vacations, when everyone spoke in Konkani. After relocating to Goa in 1971, he ensured that all his five children were enrolled in the village shalla and did their primary education in Konkani.
Speaking about anti-Goans he said that some Russians came to him for legal advice to set up an institute to teach youngsters to work in casinos, But he refused, as their motive was to change the culture of Goa. Such persons can be called anti-Goans, he said.
Dr S K Dubey, Dr G N Mishra and Juino De Souza participated in the debate. It will be telecast on HCN channel today (Sunday) at 10.30 am.
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