the goan I network
MARGAO
Members of the civil society rallied behind this self-employed youth from Fatorda selling seasonal fruits and jams in his four-wheeler near the Ravindra Bhavan traffic junction after he received threats of dire consequences if he continued the activity while outside vendors including bhaiyas had a field day in and around the area.
As Maclon Fernandes claimed that he had received warnings to shut down his business, including from a police who claimed that he is a policemen, members of the civil society including Dr Francisco Colaco said what has happened is a bad precedent wherein people who are not supporters of the powers that be are the target of the politicians. “This has got larger proportions. This incident may concern a small man and his small business, but the important thing is that the politician in powers are vindictive and they have different yardsticks for different people. Their voters and supporters do illegal business and they get political protection, but Niz Goemkars are being harassed,” Dr Colaco said and charged that the politician who has been elected to maintain peace and order, and who proclaims Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn, is allegedly harassing the Goan youth.
Added activist Laurel Abranches: “Instead of supporting Maclon for his self-employed enterprise, Maclon is being meted out harassment. He is a role model for the Goan youth who migrate to London and others countries. While Maclon is being harassed, illegalities indulged in by vendors, including some bhaiyas and matka bookies go unnoticed.”
Maclon told the media that he has received the first threat when he was approached by a person who told him to move out of the place. “Then another person came, claiming to be a policemen, threatening me to tow away the vehicle. I have started from scratch and I am setting a good example for my fellow Goan youth to take up self-employment instead of moving out of the country,” Maclon said.
