Thaindian News

Panaji, May 30 (IANS) Angry over a police official’s remark that tribal agitators got drunk and created law and order problems during their agitation, the kin and friends of the two murdered tribal youths have invited top police officials for a drink soiree.

The Youth of Scheduled Tribes of Ponda (YSTP) sent a letter Monday to Director General of Police Aditya Arya, Inspector General Sundari Nanda and Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande, inviting them to join the mourning and share drinks with the tribals.

“We invite all three of you and all other police, (who felt that tribal leaders were drunk during last Wednesday’s protests) to participate in the mourning ceremony (of the two youths) and share drinks with us,” the letter said.

According to a tribal custom in Goa, on the 12th day of mourning of their dead, the tribals serve alcohol to those who participate in the ceremony.

“We will be organising the 12th day mourning ceremony of Mangesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip in every house of the community. As per tradition, we serve alcohol to all those people who participated in the rituals. Hence, the invitation to you,” the letter said.

Mangesh and Dilip were allegedly killed and later their bodies set on fire in Quepem when a tribal agitation demanding implementation of tribal rights turned violent May 25.

Tribals have claimed that police were mute spectators after unidentified people assaulted the peaceful protesters and killed the two. Their charred bodies were discovered in a burnt out shop later.

Police spokesperson Atmaram Deshpande Saturday alleged that many tribals were drunk and went out of control while agitating.

Deshpande’s comments sparked an uproar with the opposition and tribal leaders saying that the police officer’s remarks were “insensitive” and “exaggerative”.