BICHOLIM
The incident that took place in Shirgao is very unfortunate and the temple administration, devotees had to pay proper attention to conduct of the zatra said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and assured that henceforth the government will take special steps regarding organising of the zatra.
The CM said that the special investigation team which is probing how the incident took place will submit its report in a few days time.
The Chief Minister met the family of Surya Naykar, who died in the stampede in Shirgao, and consoled the family and assured them of all possible help.
The Chief Minister also said that the assistance of Rs 10 lakh announced by the government will be given to them after twelve days.
The Chief Minister said that it is necessary for the devotees and the dhonds to take proper precautions during the fair and that the administration will now pay more attention to this and take important decisions to ensure that such incidents never happen.
The Chief Minister became emotional after the meeting the family of Naykar
and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died.
Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Sunday also visited the families of those who were killed during Shree Lairai Devi Jatra in Shirgao during the wee hours of Saturday. Total six people were killed while nearly 80 were injured.
Expressing grief, the Governor said that the incident was "beyond human expectation".
The Governor, who was on official visit to Kerala, had cut-short his stay and returned to the State on Saturday evening. He then rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital to meet injured persons.
On Sunday, he met the families of the deceased in Bicholim and Sattari.
Pillai said the incident was "beyond our human expectation” and the state and central governments are trying their best to help the victims.
“The state government has already announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of those who died, and "if something more is required, it would be done," he assured.
The government can do justice to the injured victims by making available all necessary medical help, the governor said.
Meanwhile, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar also visited Pilgaon and consoled the family. Tawadkar said that he would extend all possible cooperation to provide the necessary assistance through his trust. He also said that the incident was very painful and unfortunate and that the government would definitely take appropriate precautions to prevent such incidents from happening again.
MLA Premendra Shet visited Pilgaon and consoled the relatives of the deceased. "I can't imagine the mother's grief at this time. The incident that happened is unfortunate and has caused innocent people to lose their lives. The loss of a son while recovering from his illness is a very painful incident. May God give the mother and son's family the strength to cope with their grief."
