No ban on parties: CM

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-12-19
PANAJI - The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has categorically stated that there would not be any curb on festivities and parties during the upcoming festive season of Christmas and New Year and that midnight masses during these festivals and the parties that are held on the occasions would be allowed to be held as per the tradition.
Informally briefing reporters after a meeting of the Congress legislature party that was held at his official residence on Thursday, the Chief Minister said the security arrangements made by the state police was reviewed by his party colleagues. He also said that the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik briefed the CLP of the arrangements in place, even as the views of the party MLAs were heard with that regard.
He also said that there was no need for people to panic as there was no danger to the state as the government has taken all precautions wherever necessary to avoid any eventuality and thwart terror attacks even as he called upon people not to fall prey to rumours being spread by vested interests.
Asked to comment on whether the Mhadei issue was discussed at the CLP meeting, he informed that the Water Resources Minister, Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues has been told to take necessary action in the matter and that accordingly a meeting of the sub-committee on Mhadei has been convened on Monday to decide on future course of action.
Mr Kamat also said the CLP congratulated him and the Goa pradesh Congress committee president, Mr Subhash Shirodkar on the success of the party in the Pale by-elections.
Earlier, the Home Minister also said that parties and celebrations would not be banned in the state and that enough security measures have been taken by the state police to provide safety to the people. No unauthorised parties would, however, be allowed to be held.
Mr Naik further said the government has already placed order for procurement of AK-56 and AK-47 and bulletproof jackets for the state police personnel. He denied that there was any security problem in the state.
The issue of removal of River Princess was also raised by the Calangute MLA, Mr Agnelo Fernandes during the CLP meeting and it was suggested that the government should seek early hearing of the matter that was before the Bombay High Court. The issue of granting additional shack licences was also raised during the meeting.