Don't allow Pak flag hoisters to enter Goa'

Panaji, June 14: A prominent Congress leader in Goa has warned BJP Government against allowing the Sri Ram Sena to work in the State, despite the fact that its workers had hoisted Pakistani national flag in a Tehsildar's office in Bijapur district to spread violence in North Karnataka.

Addressing Congress workers at Siolim near here on Wednesday Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik said that it was most unfortunate that a traitor outfit was entering Goa with BJP government's blessings.

Mr. Naik, who was addressing Congress workers at Siolim, was reacting to the local media reports that Sri Ram Sene was going to open an office soon in Goa.

Reacting to the media reports Pramod Muthalik led outfit was going to open its branch in Goa soon, he said that Goans should not allow an organisation, which hoisted Pak flag in Karnataka to enter into their land.

Mr. Naik recalled in his speech on Wednesday that erstwhile Congress Home Minister Ravi Naik had issued orders even within the limited powers available with the government, banning the entry of Ram Sena into Goa.

Sena chief Pramod Muthalik, had earlier stated that the office would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. However, Mr. Parrikar, at his press conference on Wednesday, declined to join issues with Mr. Muthalik. When quizzed over Mr. Muthalik's reported statements from Ponda, Mr. Parrikar reiterated his firm resolution to deal anybody disrupting Goa's peace and harmony with an iron hand. The Sri Ram Sena chief is present in Goa attending a Hindu convention. Declining to name anybody, he said that everybody was free to act within the law and as per Constitution, but nobody has the right to take law in own hands.