False prophets tearing India apart
No god or even a prophet has ever preached negative things about other religions specifically. All religions do have a mention of other gods but that is about it. Why then are we, a country that once boasted about its secular status, now facing so many issues and most of them caused by men who claim to be guided by religion? The banning of meat in Maharashtra and other states is nothing more than oppression of the minority community that controls the trade and the other communities that also partake of it. Caste and religion is what will tear this country apart. But it is not religion that is to blame, it is the men and women who claim to be the saviours of these religions that are actually the problem. From the time of the 1857 uprising has religion been the excuse used to divide and rule. It is happening now too. History certainly repeats itself.
Bhushan Kamat, Miramar
Dual citizenship
There are many Goans who wish to avail or have already availed of their right to a Portuguese Passport. While most do it so that they can leave the country and move to Europe or other countries, there are many who just wish to work elsewhere in the world, either for better income or even to experience life there. But, we do not wish to remain a citizen of another country. We are Indians and Goans and there will be a time when we want to come back. Why is it not possible for us to avail of dual citizenship? We send money back to the country, so there is some sort of foreign exchange happening. We can possibly only move to the Middle East or the Far East on an Indian passport. Europe, Canada and Australia, or even America are not even possibilities. But, with a Portuguese passport, it’s possible. There must be a solution
Insia Mendonca, Fatorda
Monitor spurious liquor
The recommendation for holograms on liquor labels is a welcome one. Despite the fact that Goa has such low prices for alcohol and a widespread availability of feni, the equivalent of ‘country liquor’ that is available in other states, there are still cases of deaths or even hospitalization due to spurious liquor. The police and excise departments have to crack down on this menace without a doubt. But the holograms on labels will prove to be extra ammunition in the fight against the hooch problem
Hemant Kamat, Porvorim
Change needed
The developmental work promised by the ruling government in the state is nothing but mere eyewash. It echoes the promises made by the prime minister in Bihar. Promising redevelopment and more in the run up to the polls is an attempt to appease Salcete and to garner votes. But the people of Salcete and of Goa too aren’t going to be fooled anymore. We have all seen the utter ruthlessness and apathy for Goa by those in power. Any party will be better than this in the next election. If the BJP stay in power, they will soon follow the rest of India in turning their states into majority led bastions.
Sanjay Naik, Mapusaa
