Vasco: The protests held by Congress in Vasco sparked a heated argument between Goa Congress Vice President Sankalp Amonkar and Vasco policeman after the cops didn’t allow the protestors to burn the effigy of Power Minister Nilesh Cabral outside Vidyut Bhavan on Friday.
Then the Congress leaders gathered at Vidyut Bhavan for their agitation, the police force were also deployed there, leading to a tense situation.
As per their plans, the Congress leaders submitted the memorandum over the exorbitant power bills charges to the Electricity Department officials. Cabral’s effigy was then brought out by the Congressmen but before it could be burnt, as part of their protests, it was picked up by the police. This led to angry reactions amongst the protestors.
Vasco Police then instructed them to disperse from the location but the Congress workers stood firm and demanded that the effigy be handed over back to them.
Disappointed over the action of the police during the democratic protest, Amonkar later told reporters that Cabral had made a statement that Congress should come to Curchorem for a debate and he won’t come to Mormugao.
Amonkar took a pot-shot at Cabral and pointed out that he must remember that he is the Minister of the State and not only of Curchorem.
“I challenge Cabral that we will go across all talukas and he must come there and debate. What is stopping Cabral from facing the common man who are suffering because of exorbitant electricity bills,” Amonkar questioned.
He also condemned the police action of confiscating the effigy.
“In the past, we have burned the effigies of many leaders irrespective of political parties. Even the effigies of national leaders have been burnt in protest. No one can take away our rights. We will continue this agitation across all taluka and we will also go to Curchorem and Cabral must be ready to face the wrath of the public,” Amonkar added.
