From Sanjay Borkar in Margao
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (mb)

Margao, Dec 22: Yet again in this tourist season, the nomadic tribal Lamanis along the beaches of Goa are creating a nuisance to tourists by forcing them to buy ornaments and clothes from them.

Last year, people from Benaulim had staged a dharna at local MLA Micky Pacheco's residence demanding action against those Lamanis, because of which tourists have been avoiding coming to the pristine beaches of Banaulim, thus affecting the local business.

Local people allege that these Lamanis play a key role in selling drugs in the vicinity, as they directly come in contact with tourists. Despite knowing the fact, the police do not take action in the matter, they say further.

According to sources, as a result of the public outcry, the police had asked the Lamanis not to harass the tourist.

When contacted, the Colva Police said they had not arrested anyone in this connection in recent days.

Now it is a big challenge to the tourism department to evict these Lamanis from the pristine beaches so as to attract more tourists.