THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar slammed Executive Engineer Kashinath Shetye and accused him of harassing innocent residents by attempting to close traditional pathways leading to some houses in his Mormugao constituency which have existed for over 50 years.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Amonkar said the real issue was the construction of a compound wall to block traditional pathways.
“The electricity department had kept traditional pathways open at four places, and now, all of a sudden, they are trying to block them. When I arrived at the spot, Shetye began arguing and making baseless allegations. If he comes here again, the public will not remain silent,” warned Amonkar.
"This is a long-pending issue, and I have raised it in the Assembly. These houses date back to the Portuguese era and have been in existence for decades. No officer has the right to call them illegal or behave rudely with the public. Officers who do not understand local issues and work against the government should be terminated," Amonkar stated.
He further alleged that Shetye had falsely claimed a bar was illegal operating in the area.
"The bar has had a valid license since 1985, long before the electricity department quarters were built," he said.
Challenging Shetye to file an FIR against him instead of targeting innocent residents, Amonkar warned that he would not allow the pathways to be closed.
"The area has turned into a jungle, with snakes moving around. There is no evidence that people come here to drink. I have personally requested the electricity department multiple times to clear the bushes, but they have failed to act. I had to get them cleared at my own expense," he added.
Amonkar also refuted Shetye’s claim that people obstructed the department from taking electrical cables.
"The cables have been lying as scrap for over 15 to 20 years,” he said.
The MLA reiterated his demand in the Assembly to ensure that these traditional pathways remain open.
“I will stand by the residents in their fight against any unjust actions,” vowed Amonkar.
