MARGAO
Taking strong exception to the decision of Betalbatim Sarpanch Constancio Miranda for his letter to the Church and police reportedly expressing concern that some youth are taking to drugs at certain spots in the village, former Nuvem MLA Mickky Pacheco has demanded that the Sarpanch should identity the spots and name the youth or step down from office.
Sarpanch, however, said the letter he had addressed to the Church or the police was made in good faith, keeping the interest of the youth at heart, while declining to further comment on Mickky's outbursts against him.
Addressing the media on Saturday morning in the presence of Panch Santan Fernandes and a group of citizens, Mickky condemned the letter made by the Sarpanch to the Church to make an announcement after the Sunday mass over the use of drugs by the youth. "The sarpanch did not discuss the issue at the Panchayat meeting. By addressing the letter to the Church and the police, he has generalized the problem. Every youth is today being looked at with suspicion if they report home late in the night," Mickky said, while demanding that Colva police should summon the Sarpanch for interrogation.
He pointed out that the Sarpanch should immediately name the youth taking drugs or the spots in the village used for the purpose or step down from office. "Why did the saranch not discuss the issue with other members by calling for an emergency meeting. If he cannot name the youth, he should step down and apologize to the people," he said, adding that such a thing had never taken place during his tenure as MLA representing Betalbatim.
When The Goan contacted Sarpanch Miranda, he said that he did not want to comment on Mickky's allegations and demands. He, however, said that he had written the letter to the Church and Police in the interest of the village. "I am the village sarpanch and I mean business. I am also a father. I do not want the lives of our youth to be ruined by drugs. I do not want to name anyone since it involves the future of our youth," Miranda said.
