MARGAO: Protestors doubling up as “chowkidars” of Goa held a midnight protest at Davorlim to keep an eye on the site and to check whether the South Western Railway was going ahead with the work of laying the second track at the level crossing.

Heavy police force was present at the gate to prevent any law and order problem at the site.

Congress’ leaders including Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Sankalp Amonkar, Amarnath Panjikar, Royla Fernandes and others were present.

South Goa SP Pankaj Kumar Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sahil Sarangal and police staff from several police stations were called in.

The protestors asked the police that earlier during the protest at the Chandor Railway level crossing, the Deputy Collector had assured that she would fix a meeting with them on the issue.

Sankalp Amonkar said, “The government hasn’t kept its word of fixing a meeting with Deputy Collector. We don’t trust them.

Hence we have doubled up as “chowkidars” of Goa and have come here to keep an eye on the site and to check whether there is work going on”.

“The number of police present today raises the question whether Goans have any respect or not. The next time, when the rail authorities do the work, they won’t tell anyone and will do it secretly. We don’t want coal and double tracking in Goa,” said Amonkar.

Amarnath Panjikar said, “When they experienced people’s anger they stopped the work. They have not informed about the cancellation or postponement. Railway track cannot be done in a day. They are trying and testing the patience of Goans. Don’t play games with Goans and don’t take us for granted,” he warned.

Varad Mardolkar said, “It is unfortunate for us, Goans that we have to stand here during the pandemic. The Government has turned insensitive,” he charged.

Raju Cabral said, “The Railways said they stopped work but they are carrying out the same secretly.”