CoC casts shadow on R-Day celebrations in State

CoC casts shadow on R-Day celebrations in State
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM/MARGAO/CANACONA: The shadow of election code of conduct (CoC) was clearly visible on the 63rd Republic Day parade held at Campal on Thursday as Chief Minister Digambar Kamat did not make any populist announcement.
The state on Thursday celebrated Republic Day amidst patriotic spirit with Kamat unfluring the national flag. The celebration was also marked with several cultural programmes by school children.
The celebration could be termed as one of the smallest state function held so far, with no much dignitaries and government officials attending the function. 
Addressing the gathering, Kamat remembered father of India’s constitution Babasaheb Ambedkar stating that he is great source of inspiration to people of Goa and India by large.
In Margao, South Goa district Collector, Sandip Jacques appealed to all eligible voters in the state to get enrolled on the electoral rolls and come out in large numbers on March 3 to exercise their constitutional right of adult suffrage.
Addressing the Republic Day function at Margao after unfurling the Tricolour at the SAG complex this morning, the district Collector reminded that the right to vote is granted to every citizen of India, irrespective of religion, race, caste, community, language, region or socio-economic considerations.
Canacona Deputy Collector Shiv Kumar, IAS, stated that its time to deal with naxalites in a fruitful manner and strive to bring them in nation’s main stream to bring prosperity and happiness to the country and countrymen.
Shiv Kumar was speaking after unfurling the national flag at Government Office Complex, Chaudi, on Thursday.
Stating that India is a leading country in IT sector, Kumar said time has come to bring Naxalites into our mainstream.
According to Kumar, Naxalite activities are one amongst the prime reasons responsible to derail nation’s economic progress and leaders need to systematically and fruitfully deal with the naxalites.
“Let the leaders understand Naxalites problems and assist them to lead normal life like any of us Indians,” Shiv added.
He blamed the neighbouring countries for the insurgency, presently our country is facing.
“We are the fourth largest country in world economy and are on our way to become world’s super power in near future. But the problems of Naxalites, unemployment, insurgency takes its toll on our progress,” he said.
Canacona Mamlatdar Sudhin Natu, besides other officers were present. CMC Chairperson Ramakant Naikar Gaonkar, Deputy Chairperson Sandesh Gaonkar, Councilors Simon Rebello, Ajay Bhagat, Hemant Gracias and others were also present.
Earlier, students from few schools in the taluka presented a march past and later staged cultural presentations on national integration.
Neither of the two MLAs and two ZPs from the taluka attended the Republic Day function for Canacona taluka, as also the guardian minister for Canacona taluka Philip Neri Rodgrigues skipped the function due to election code of conduct.