Apology demanded; want minister to withdraw his decision
the goan I network
PANAJI
Members of this Scheduled Caste community alleged that Ajgaonkar’s comments infringe upon their fundamental right under Article 19 (e) of the Constitution, to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.
The executive committee of the Samaj submitted a memorandum to the Tourism Minister requesting him to refrain from singling out a particular community and maligning it by making derogatory remarks.
The memorandum marked to the Chief Minister urged the government not to blame the entire community for the misdeeds of a few miscreants and sought to point out that Ajgaonkar also
belongs to the Scheduled Caste category and that he represents Pernem, a constituency reserved for SCs.
The Samaj, however, stressed that it stands by the lawful prosecution and detention of offenders as per law.
Ganesh Lamani, general secretary of the Samaj stated, “Are all those troubling tourists and participating in illegal activities in the beach belt lamanis? We demand retraction of this unethical statement which is aimed at driving the lamani community away.”
He further pointed out that the community has a population of approximately two lakhs, including the floating population of around 52,000.
Countering the charge that the community is a blot on the state, Lamani stated, “We contribute to the economy of the state. We vote here. We are as Goan and Goemkars as anyone else. By all means, prosecute and punish the offenders. But persons holding government offices should refrain from targeting communities along caste lines and under the garb of Goemkarponn.”
Other members of the Samaj, including its South Goa president Anand Angadi, North Goa president Suresh Chavan, Ravi Chavan and Devraj Angadi expressed concern that such wayward remarks would worsen the morale of the youth within the Lamani-Banjara community and would create a sense of inferiority and fear.
Another member of the community, Ravi Banjara from Calangute informed that the Samaj will approach the All India Banjara Seva Sangh as well as the National Commission for SCs.
