Strike enters 2nd day, 361 lifeguards held in Goa

The Goa government said it was monitoring the situation on the beaches in the wake of strike by lifeguards which entered its second day on Wednesday, even as 361 lifeguards were arrested after they took out a protest march defying prohibitory orders. Later, the 361 lifeguards were released after being produced in a court here.

The lifeguards, mainly demanding regularisation of services, went on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, prompting the state government to invoke Essential Services Maintenance Act against them. The protesters, however, said they will continue with their agitation in support of their demands.

“The government and the company (which mans the beaches) have decided not to intervene into the matter, so we have decided to continue our strike. Now it is ‘satyagraha’ for us,” All India Trade Union Congress leader Christop-her Fonsenca said at the Azad Maidan here where the lifeguards are currently camping. He said the agitators have put forth a legitimate demand which is being ignored by the company.