MAPUSA
Ports Minister Michael Lobo said the demonstration of people in Panaji on Liberation Day was uncalled for and the President of the country deserved respect as he was the first citizen of the country.
“I am with those people when they are agitating against the coal handling in Goa. But, demonstration on that day…when the first citizen is coming to Goa…I know we are a democracy… but still it’s not right,” Lobo said.
The ports minister was responding to a query whether police action against the harmless youth who were gathering near the Panaji church square was the right thing to do.
Continuing, Lobo said the President, who is the highest dignitary of the country, did not belong to any political party.
“That much respect has to be given to the President of the country when he is coming down during the Liberation Day celebration,” he said.
Several youngsters who had gathered at the Panaji square and some who were on the way to the capital city were detained by the police, packed into buses and shifted to faraway police stations. They were later released quite late in the night.
