Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Strongly criticizing Executive Engineer Kashinath Shetye, Vasco MLA Sankalp Amonkar accused him of acting as an activist rather than a government officer and harassing innocent residents. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Amonkar asserted that Shetye was attempting to close traditional pathways that have existed for over 50 years.
“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 an illegal bar was operating in the area. “The bar has had a valid license since 1985, long before the electricity department quarters were built. The electricity department had kept traditional pathways open at four places, and now, all of a sudden, they are trying to block them,” 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. The real issue was the construction of a compound wall to block traditional pathways. When I arrived at the spot, Shetye began arguing and making baseless allegations. If he comes here again, the public will not remain silent,” Amonkar warned.
The MLA reiterated his demand in the Assembly to ensure that these traditional pathways remain open and vowed to stand by the residents in their fight against any unjust actions.
