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International Cuisine Conference on Traditional Asian Diet Panaji, Goa, September 2-5, 2007 - http://www.indologygoa.in Online Media Partner: http://www.goanet.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Goans debate if more casinos are ok Rupesh Samant Panaji, Sept 4 (PTI) Off-shore casinos, a gambling den onboard a ship, has sparked off a debate in Goa with different opinions being expressed for and against the new licenses. Goa, India's only state where off-shore casinos are permitted, already has a off-shore casino operational on a ship near Panaji city. The casino run by Advani group of hotels is a crowd puller especially on weekends and holidays. While this casino was accepted by the locals, the controversy erupted when a second such casino, planned by the Leela group, took shape in south Goa. The casino, feel the Cavelossim villagers, where it is anchored, is blocking the movement of fishing trawlers. Besides, the operation to dredge Sal river is also being objected as it affects the marine life. The movement which began on a small note has taken a larger proportion with the local Catholic Church chipping in with its support. The politicians have kept mum over the topic. Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat and chief secretary J P Singh, who visited the disputed site, too, have not given their stand on the controversy. It was the BJP which initially objected to setting up of casinos in the state last year. Then Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane had advertised for six off-shore casinos in the state. The saffron political party had objected to such huge influx of casinos, which according to them, would roll out red carpet welcome to gamblers, money launderers, mafias and prostitution rackets in the peaceful state, which is frequented by 23 lakh tourists every year. PTI http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/624148844649BFCD6525734C00357 44C?OpenDocument ~(^^)~ Avelino