We may have the best beaches, the best tourism infrastructure and be the cleanest destination. But, if there is no safety, it is all meaningless. Unfortunately, this seems to be the way we are heading.
First violence, and then, the deaths of two locals attributed to outsiders –within the jurisdiction of the Mandrem Police Station, where some of the most tranquil beaches are located – is not sending the best of signals at a time when tourism has been witnessing a pleasant bounce back.
The two deaths are indications that law and order in this tourist belt is not ably handled. Complacency appears to have taken over, and the presence of the police appears to be sparse.
The role of the police is not just to nab criminals, but to see that crimes do not take place – they should be known as custodians of the law and their physical presence itself should suffice to keep criminals at bay.
The role of the police is not just to nab criminals, but to see that crimes do not take place – they should be known as custodians of the law and their physical presence itself should suffice to keep criminals at bay.
In the first reported death, a youngster was beaten by people to whom a shack was sub-let. And in the second, a lady had her life taken away by a man alleged to have driven his car over her in a fit of rage, and that too, in the vicinity of the police station.
Resentment has grown as locals, upset with the deaths, and despite arrests by the police, are feeling insecure. If the locals feel insecure, what would be the feeling among the guests?
Insecurity spreads fast. Tourists living around the jurisdiction of the new Mandrem Police Station are going to start feeling the negative vibes that will slowly make visitors think twice about whether they should visit the place or whether they should pack up and leave.
To err is human. But, to err constantly, is definitely not divine, and it is here that the police should be able to pull up their socks, spot where they have slipped and pull up their socks anew.
To err is human. But, to err constantly, is definitely not divine, and it is here that the police should be able to pull up their socks.
The coastal belts of Morjim, Mandrem and Arambol are the new havens discovered by tourists who prefer holidays away from the spotlight. Just when good times had begun to bloom, violence, followed by the two deaths, has soured the atmosphere.
It is not the case of whether tourists were killed or locals were. What is bad is that two people died in a short time, and death leaves scars difficult to erase. Fear is everyone’s worst enemy.
The police are supposed to instill faith in the people, and their very presence should make others feel confident. This is not what we see now. Locals are agitated and that does not go well with tourists.
The best way forward now would be for the police to realise that it is not they who are on a holiday, but the guests are, and the latter should be allowed to enjoy the privileges that come with a vacation.
A new wave of tourists is expected before the monsoons. Domestic and foreign tourists will come to enjoy before the summer heat starts making itself felt, and that is when the numbers will drop.
There are accusations and counter accusations. In such a situation, the first thing is to stop rumours and earn back the confidence of those affected; only then can they start cleaning up the mess.
A new wave of tourists is expected before the monsoons. Domestic and foreign tourists will come to enjoy before the summer heat starts making itself felt, and that is when the numbers will drop.
The police in Mandrem should buckle up fast because time lost now will be difficult to reclaim later.
