07 Nov 2013 | GOVERNANCE | By VIDYUTKALE http://blogs.halabol.com/2013/11/07/10-questions-goas-government
There has been much hue and cry over the Nigerian protests, with some very reckless statements being made by leaders. There has been an equally spirited defense of the government actions by BJP supporters on Twitter. While no one is disputing that troublemakers must be arrested, the persecution of all Nigerians is not acceptable and I think if all Nigerians are persecuted in Goa, and Nigeria acts on its threat of evicting Indians in Nigeria, it will be a very clearly warned and equal retaliation brought about by the actions of Goa's government. Regardless of whether the Nigerian government can match Goa's government in persecution, the fact remains that if Nigerians not involved in anything illegal are being denied accommodation that is not denied to other foreigners doing similar actions, then Goa's government is being discriminatory and illegal in its actions, counting on our traditional impunity for government witch-hunts -- except that these not being Indians, they actually have legal authorities who will defend them. Conveniently ignored are some important questions. While Parrikar seems to be covering his bases claiming that many Nigerians are in Goa without correct papers, reality seems to indicate something more sinister than verification of identification papers. [1] Michael Lobo has put up posters saying "We want peace in Goa. Say no to Nigerian. Say no to drugs," according to news reports. What is the government's official stand on this? There is no mention of Nigerians without identification, but Nigerians as an identity. Note. [2] Michael Lobo also seems to have said to media "98% Nigerians, African nationals in Goa are involved in drugs... they come to Goa on false pretext of tourism, studies." Assuming that he knows what he is talking about (which looks doubtful), if he knew about this, does government inaction on the drug trade and clear identification of criminals involved mean that the government was okay with it? [3] If 98% of Nigerians and African nationals in Goa are involved in drugs, why are they simply denied accommodation instead of being arrested? [4] It is fairly common knowledge that tourists go to Goa and do drugs. Foreign tourists to Goa include Israelis, Russians and other nationalities with a white skin. Is the problem with blacks in the drug trade specifically, and can other skin colors deal drugs freely? [5] Dayanand Mandrekar said that Nigerians are like a 'cancer'. Does Goa's government agree with this view? [6] What legal actions has Goa's government taken to curb this sudden Nigerian menace (which party supporters on the social media seem to be saying is going on for 10 years) in the past? If none, why not? Does Goa's government support drug running? [7[ Manohar Parrikar's claim about foreigners illegally residing in Goa being a problem is to be considered little more than a fig leaf to cover the persecution of Nigerians. He has really asked the "police department to comb the entire state and locate Nigerians and other foreign nationals who do not have valid visas" as he claims. What action has the Goa government taken against BJP MLA Glen Ticlo, Goa Vikas Party MLA Caetano 'Caitu' Silva, superintendent of police Jose Allen de Sa and police inspector Edwin Colaco -- all of whom have been accused of being Portuguese nationals now, with lapsed Indian citizenship, and possibly illegally occupying government posts in India, with the blessings of Goa government? [8] Delilah Lobo, Sarpanch of the village of Parra, a popular residential hub for Nigerians in north Goa, passed a resolution at a specially convened meeting of panchayat banning the renting of rooms and houses to Nigerians on a student visa. The student visa is issued by the Indian state; so, in effect, she rejects the right of people with a legitimate visa issued by the country as well as endangers India's diplomatic ties with a friendly country. What is her authority to overrule in such a manner. Goa's government may be hate-loving to the point of losing all protocol, need for evidence, or rule of law; but as an Indian, I do not appreciate a national authority being overruled by some hate monger in an unheard of village over a ego bruise that cops (as usual) failed to control rioters. [9] Why did Delilah Lobo ignore the presence of criminals in her village if she knew they were doing drugs and she knows drugs to be illegal in India? Why does she continue to take no action against the supposed solely Nigerian drug mafia beyond evicting? [10] Lastly, does the Goa government have any preference for the rule of law, or are wild accusations by insane politicians enough to endanger the safety of anyone they choose to fling them at? What is the evidence the state has for claims of 98% Nigerians being involved in drugs? Are Nigerians the only nationality involved in drugs? I suppose the real question is if Goa has a government, or is this a puppet of a rival cartel out to eliminate whoever they get a supari for? Finally, I would like to request an investigation of the the politicians above for drug mafia ties, since I am having trouble believing that so much knowledge of Nigerian drug mafia and absolute ignorance on all others is possible in a legislator of a state pretty much famous for freedom to do drinks and drugs. Or maybe they should be arrested for sheer ignorance of the state they want to govern. In my view, the right thing at this point is to apologize to any Nigerians not involved in illegal activities and ensure their safe stay (including from rabid zealots deployed for agendas and now uncontrollable), while arresting and prosecuting those involved in crimes and deporting those without papers. Use the laws, for heaven's sake!
