Special squads to tackle Lamani menace on Goa beaches

The Goa tourism department will be forming special squads to weed out the menace of 'lamanis', a nomadic tribe from neighbouring Karnataka, on its beaches.
"The tourism department has decided to form special squads along with the police department to remove 'lamanis' from the beaches.
"They are creating nuisance along the beach stretches. They are illegally vending on the beaches. They roam around in a group and are troubling tourists especially foreigners," Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar told PTI.
The minister also warned his department officials of suspension, if they fail to clear the state's beaches of the nomadic tribe.

"I will not think twice before suspending them from the job, if I find any lamani activity in their area," the minister said referring to the officials from his department.
Ajgaonkar yesterday held a meeting with officials of the state tourism department and police to discuss the issue.

"The action against them (lamanis) will begin from the popular beaches which have maximum footfalls. Then we will focus on the other beach fronts," the minister said.
Ajgaonkar clarified that those lamanis who have valid permission to operate businesses will be given protection from this drive.
Superintendent of Police (North) Karthik Kashyap who was part of this meeting said police will form "dedicated squads" to assist the state tourism department in their drive.

"The minister has understood the issue. We appreciate his efforts. We will be forming dedicated squads to help the tourism department officials. Anybody who is involved in illegal activity will be acted upon," he added.