PANJIM: 361 Drishti lifeguards were arrested on Wednesday after they held a protest march in Panjim, defying prohibitory orders. They were released after being produced before the sub- divisional magistrate. The lifeguards, mainly demanding regularization of services, went on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, prompting the state government to invoke Essential Services maintenance Act (ESMA) against them. As the strike entered the second day, the agitators took to the streets in the morning. Police tried to stop the protest march, but had to arrest the agitators when the situation appeared to be turning tense.
“A total of 361 people were arrested under section 151 of IPC. They were produced before the sub-divisional magistrate,” said PI Siddhant Shirodkar. Meanwhile, the lifeguards have accused the BJP government of murdering democracy and suppressing the fundamental rights of the citizens by stopping their protest and directing them to the Azad Maidan.
Christopher Fonseca, president of the Goa Trade and Commercial Workers’ Union (GTCWU) and leader of the strike, stated, “The police told us that we are arrested and directed us to the Azad Maidan. This place is known for giving us freedom, and today we were held captive there. This is a very shameful act of the government.”
Fonseca further stated that although the strike had been stopped, the lifeguards and their allies would observe indefinite satyagraha at different areas in Panjim. Urging the government to solve the issue immediately, he said, “All the lifeguards should be given the dignity that they deserve. The government should look into the matter carefully, taking the future of these lifeguards into consideration.” The lifeguards have also stated that they do not fear threats of arrests by the police and will protest until the government solves the issue or discusses it with them. They said that their job involves high risk in a short working span, and therefore they deserve a salary of at least Rs 21,000 per month and their services to be regularized. Additionally, the 17 sacked employees should be re-employed.
Fonseca also rubbished allegations that three lifeguards were terminated because they had consumed alcohol on duty. He said, “This is a white lie. These lifeguards have done so well in their jobs that all of them have been awarded.” The All Indian Trade Union Council (AITUC) and the Goa Employees Union (GEU), Transport Union and the PWD Employees’ Union have also come out in support of the strike. GEU general secretary Adv Raju Mangeshkar said, “December 30 is a black day for Goa as people observing a silent protest were arrested by the police. We whole-heartedly support the strike, and if needed, will bring the entire working class on the road. We will participate at every step of this fight.”
The lifeguards also appreciated Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo for supporting their protests. Meanwhile, the tourism department is monitoring the situation on the beaches considering the New Year rush.
