TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Congress party appears divided on its demand for an inquiry into the incident wherein Nigerians blocked NH 17 on October 31, with South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha stressing that local administration should improve its functioning, while Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane demanded a judicial probe into the violence.
“Judicial (inquiry) is a slow process… I want the administration to open their eyes… I am not only talking about Nigerians, but it’s for all foreigners who do not follow rules and regulations in the country,” Sardinha said responding to a media question on Monday. “The administration should keep its eyes open so that every person who is not from this country, does not overstay, whether they are good or bad people…”
To another query about whether the Centre or the State are responsible for not maintaining records of foreigners, Sardinha blamed both but quickly added that State and Central governments should together work out a mechanism to deport foreigners illegally living in Goa.
The death of a Nigerian national Obado Uzoma Simeon had triggered protest by over 60 Nigerians who blocked the National Highway 17 during the peak hours on October 31. Fifty three of them were arrested on charges of attempted murder, rioting and other offences.
Rane had demanded a judicial inquiry since it was an international issue involving government of both countries – India and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Goa police have continued their drive to locate foreign nationals, especially Nigerians who are illegally staying in Goa.
With Goa government complaining of shortage of IPS officers, Sardinha urged the former to send a copy of ‘any correspondence of urgency’ to him so that he could pursues the matter with the Centre. He has however slammed the government over the deteriorating law and order, shortage of sand and laterite stones, and the continued ban on mining.
