Civil society groups protest against casinos in India

Women’s collectives, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups held protests at Azad Maidan against the proliferation of casinos.

India.- Women’s collectives, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups have been protesting in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, against casinos.

The demonstrations were supported by Aam Aurat Admi Against Gambling (AAAAG), which is spearheading the movement against casino gambling in the State.

“Casinos is bad politics, bad economics and bad for the society as a whole,” read the demonstrators’ signs. Amongst the groups participating in the protest are NGOs like Sabera, Bailancho Saad women’s collective, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (rightwing Hindu outfit) and others.

Sabina Martins, Convenor of AAAAG, declared that their collective demand was that the capital city should not be reduced to a city of gambling, drugs and prostitution. Martins added that demonstrators were upset by the recent addition of a new casino, Deltin, in the River Mandovi, which is also in close proximity to the Dr. Salim Ali Wild Life Sanctuary.