VASCO
Tension prevailed outside the exit gate of Dabolim Airport on Thursday evening as BJP members and local protesters gathered with placards to demonstrate against the arrival of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
The demonstration was organised ahead of Shivakumar’s visit to participate in the Congress-led Goy Rakhonn Yatra. Protesters strongly objected to his arrival, pointing out that Karnataka’s controversial diversion of Mhadei river water had caused severe hardship to Goans.
The demonstrators argued that Shivakumar’s presence at a rally intended to protect Goa was meaningless as long as Karnataka continued to withhold Mhadei water from the State.
As the protesting crowd surged towards the exit gate, police personnel stationed at the airport intervened to halt their movement and maintain order. The demonstrators maintained that they had gathered to stage a peaceful protest, but police moved quickly to prevent any direct confrontation.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) for Mormugao, SP Gurudas Kadam, arrived at the scene to manage the situation. Recognising the potential for a confrontation between the protesters and Congress supporters who had gathered at the exit gate to receive Shivakumar, senior police officials directed the protesting crowd to disperse immediately to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incident.
