To Goanet - Suffering from a viral infection the past few days, I had planned to stay away from the computer - and I probably should - but the following tragic news item impels me to compose this post (*) -
http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/elderly-couple-assaulted-dabolim-wife-dead-husband-critical I say: What happened? I thought Goa was a guaranteed safe haven given the zillion ghati 'security guards' that have flooded the state from Jharkhand, Bihar, Bengal, UP etc. Everywhere you look around in Panjim, there's a 'security guard' warming a chair, or dozing off, or cacking with his gaggle of ghati pals, or gracing the pavement with his paan spit. That is, doing everything except providing 'security.' Even in our own apartment complex, I have often asked why there is a 'security guard'. Why are these young men here in Goa in the first place? If I had my druthers, I'd pack them off on the first train out of Goa. The mere sight of them instils anxiety in me. It is as if Goans have instituted a giant employment scheme for the people of Jharkhand, Bihar, and UP (over an above the industrials parks across the state). The sole beneficiaries of this racket are the owners of the security firms, and what a financial windfall they must reap. And let it be noted, they are almost certainly outsiders, not Goans. I recall I would feel unsafe going up to the ATM of my bank on 18th June road after dark. (18th June Road! The main thoroughfare of Panjim.) For gathered around the 'security guard' would be all these shady ghatis, eyeing all those who entered the ATM room. It took over a year and at least 3 complaints to 2 managers before any action was taken. r
