PANJIM: Annoyed at the state’s failure to fulfill their demands, Freedom Fighters Association of Goa on Thursday came down heavily on the government and accused the chief minister of not prioritizing their issues.
Speaking at Azad Maidan in Panjim from a dais on which sat the governor and the chief minister, association president Shyamsundar Nagvekar said that former chief minister Manohar Parrikar had listened to their grievances and assured them that all their issues would be solved. “Since the time the new chief minister has taken over all works are at a halt, even meeting the chief minister has become impossible,” Nagvekar said.
He said that even in Maharashtra he met the chief minister without a prior appointment but in Goa it is very difficult to get an appointment with the chief minister and for him to meet association members without appointment.
He also said that the respect freedom fighters should get from the government and its administrative officers is lacking. “We have been made to park our car fars away from the Azad Maidan and forced to walk at this age and especially in the rains. Despite telling the police officers they have not allowed our car to drop us at Azad Maidan gate,” Nagvekar complained.
“The government had made arrangements for the dignitaries and guests for the Revolution Day function, including parking and buying new umbrellas to protect ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats from the rain. But the freedom fighters have been forgotten and were made to walk at least 300 meters from the parking area and there was nobody to receive them at the gate. “
Lambasting the government, Nagvekar said that the sitting arrangement for the freedom fighters have not been properly done. “We want the same respect that we give and that we deserve,” Nagvekar said.
He also urged the chief minister to fulfill the promises of employment to their children.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar in his reply said, “It should not have happened like this to the freedom fighters. We will give due respect to freedom fighters and try to sort out all the issues.”
Governor Mridula Sinha said that freedom fighters should get proper respect and security.
