Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Following criticism over his statement in the assembly, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant while maintaining that safety of minor children is a shared responsibility, said that his comment was taken out of context.
“My statement about the unfortunate incident was taken out of context. Both as head of a responsible Government and as a father of a 14 year old daughter, I was deeply pained and disturbed. The pain of this incident is inexplicable,” Sawant said.
He further added that at no point, he have tried to deny the right to security provided by our law. Goa Police has been a truly professional force especially when it comes to security of women and children.
“They have already acted swiftly and arrested the accused, and let me assure you that I shall ensure that the culprits get the most stringent punishment under the law. The safety of our citizens is always my Govt’s top priority,” the chief minister stated.
Moreover, he continued, safety of children especially the minor ones has to be a shared responsibility.
“Our right to security has to be strengthened further with more cautiousness. Children, especially minors, need guidance of their elders,” he maintained.
CM also pointed out that there is a curfew imposed in the State, and people are restricted at public places.
“So when I spoke about a shared responsibility for minor children, it was out of concern, care and love for my fellow citizens and our children. We all love our kids,” he said.
He said that being the Chief Minister his feeling of concern is extended to all the children of Goa.
“I, both as an individual and as the CM can never ever directly, indirectly or remotely hurt the sentiments of my fellow citizens of Goa. I put this on record today,” he said.
He reiterated that in matters that concern the safety and security of our children, there will be no compromise.
“Let there be no place for misunderstanding. Let us stand united. Let us trust each other. Let us stand united as one Goa so that all such evils can be defeated with all our might,” he said.