Panaji, June 21 (IBNS) A group of youths have gone online to petition against the entry of right wing Hindu group Sri Ram Sene to Goa labeling them as “notorious”.
The petition created by Sneha Sabnis requests Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to ban the organization’s entry fearing they might create the ruckus as it happened in Mangalore and other cities.
“Muthalik (Ram Sene Chief Pramod Muthalik) and Sri Ram Sene is notorious for attacking women and people they think are against Indian culture…At that time Pramod Muthalik praised his men saying girls going to pubs is not acceptable and beating up of women was the right thing to do,” the petition said.
During the recently concluded four-day All India Hindu Convention, Muthalik had expressed his intention to come to Goa and start a unit here.
His statement to curb the western culture of nightclubs and pubs in the state has created a fury and fear among the localities, especially youths.
The tourism industry has also expressed fear that such restriction will spell doom for the tourism.
“I do not want my state to become a graveyard for free minded people and secular ethics,” the petition which has received 405 signatories so far, further reads as.
“Goa is known for its easy going culture, the freedom it gives to tourists visiting this beach paradise and for being a secular state. Sri Ram Sene is not a youth group but rather a rightwing extremist group.”
Another group “We don’t need Ram Sene in Goa” has been formed opposing its entry to Goa.
Parrikar, in a recent interaction with the reporters had said that the government will not tolerate any person taking law into their own hands.
On January 24, 2009, around two dozen activists of the Sri Ram Sena had allegedly assaulted boys and girls in a Mangalore pub for engaging in “an obscene dance culture, which is anti-Indian". The incident had evoked outrage across the country.
The right wing outfit was thereafter banned from entering Goa by then Congress government on April 1, 2009.
(Reporting by John Edwards)