The recent travel advisory by Canada stating that Goa is an unsafe destination for women to holiday is indeed unfortunate and uncalled for.
Millions of tourists visit India and Goa is a preferred destination for many.
Canada’s advisory is something more than what meets the eye and definitely seems to have a political connection.
Till date there have been no complaints from any Canadian woman of rape or assault or any other crime. The Goa government too has said that
no incident involving Canadians have taken place of late.
The last incident of a complaint by a Canadian citizen was reported in 2015 and later in 2023 that of a Dutch national. But in both the cases the accused were booked.
Canada’s advisory further states that local authorities do not respond to violence and harassment and hence it is advised not to travel alone in public transport, cabs and autorickshaws.
DGP Jaspal Singh too has rejected the advisory saying Goa is absolutely safe and the allegations by Canada embassy is baseless and without any facts.
Presently, both the countries are trying to be one-up against each other. Both have suspended visa services and India has also asked Canada to downsize staff at its consulate in New Delhi.
In all this controversy, it is only the people who are at the receiving end. It would be ideal that officials of both countries sit together and sort out issues at the earliest.
