NIA must probe drug trade in Goa
The recent seizure of Rs 43.2 crore worth of cocaine in Chicolna, Mormugao points to the state’s alarming transformation into a drug hub. This unprecedented haul, concealed in chocolate and coffee packets, underscores not just a systems failure but a deeply entrenched nexus between drug mafias and political patrons. Rave parties, coastal smuggling, and drug trafficking have flourished unchecked, with authorities seemingly turning a blind eye to these nefarious activities. The consequences are devastating—our youth are falling prey to addiction, families are being torn apart, and Goa’s reputation as a safe and vibrant destination is being tarnished. The recent arrests of three individuals, including a husband-wife duo, have raised serious concerns about the extent of the drug network operating in Goa. Investigations have also revealed links to international drug syndicates, with one of the accused having travelled to Thailand recently. Both husband and wife have criminal records, further pointing to the organised nature of this operation. The need of the hour is for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to launch a thorough probe into the extent of the drug mafia’s operations and uncover the political connections enabling their activities. Only by exposing and dismantling this nexus can Goa reclaim its identity as a safe and vibrant destination. The people of Goa must demand accountability from their leaders and push for stringent measures to combat drug trafficking. This is not just a fight against crime, it is a fight to protect the future of our youth, preserve the soul of our state, and restore faith in the rule of law.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
What causes mishaps
Recently two youth from Karnataka lost their lives in a road accident at Nandran, Mollem, early Sunday morning after the two-wheeler they were riding rammed into a truck parked on the road after suffering a mechanical breakdown. There have been numerous accidents reported wherein a speeding vehicle has dashed into the rear of a parked vehicle. It must be said that wrongly parked vehicles on the road can be as dangerous as a speeding vehicle as far as causing an accident is concerned. There could be incidents when a four-wheeler or a heavy vehicle is parked at a blind turn due to a technical snag. This can prove very dangerous for vehicles speeding on the highway. At times branches of trees are kept on the vehicle which has broken down on the road in order to warn other vehicles from imminent danger. This step could prove to be too little too late as a speeding vehicle could have very little time to stop in order to prevent an accident. It is absolutely necessary to move the vehicle which has developed a mechanical breakdown to the road shoulder immediately. The threat is all the more imminent if the breakdown takes place at night and the streetlights are either not functioning or absent. Even keeping the parking lights of the vehicle on may not prove adequate enough to prevent an accident. If the vehicle cannot be moved to the side, then a towing vehicle needs to be requisitioned from the nearby police station. Traffic cops need to see to it that no vehicles are parked on the road which can be an obstruction to smooth traffic movement.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Waqf conundrum
The Supreme Court has asked the central government whether it will allow Muslims on the boards of Hindu temple trusts. The question is a logical one: if Hindus can be allowed on Waqf boards as per the latest amendments then Muslims should also be appointed to the Hindu temple trust boards which are entrusted with management of temples, its funds and expenditure. After all, there should be a level-playing field; it cannot be the case that Muslims have to accept Hindus on their management boards which are run as per Islamic tenets and be barred from being appointed to temple management bodies that are run as per extant Hindu doctrines. In fact, we should expand the ambit of inclusivity: trusts from other minority religions should have members of all faiths in them. Let us then see how the other minorities react. No one is under the illusion that the government’s heart has suddenly started overflowing with the milk of human kindness for Muslims.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Curse of honour killing
According to the studies conducted by the National Council of Applied Economic Research in 2016, only 5 per cent of the marriages in India are inter-caste marriages. Even this microscopic figure of inter-caste marriages invites honour killings. Honour killings showcase the barbaric impact of casteist prejudices that make parents so cruel as to kill their own innocent progeny. Rabindranath Tagore pointed out that in India, the reluctance to mingle blood through mixed marriage made the basis of nationalism wanting. He said, “Have we an instance in the whole world where a people who are not allowed to mingle their blood, shed their blood for one another except by coercion or for mercenary purposes?”
Sujit De, Kolkata
