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The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) will launch a peaceful agitation against the helmet rule with demonstrations at the venue of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Campal commencing on November 29th in protest against the undue harassment being meted out to two-wheeler riders across Goa by the police. A public meeting held at Panaji on Sunday 31st October and presided by MAG Convenor Premanand A. Lotlikar resolved to launch a intensive peaceful agitation to ensure that the Government finds a comprehensive solution to the helmet issue which has been haunting two-wheeler riders for over two decades. The police action is high-handed inview of the fact that the Goa Legislative Assembly on 29th July had unanimously resolved to set up a committee to study the helmet issue. Goa police should immediately stop harassing two-wheeler riders on village roads and state highways and as to National Highways should infact wait for the outcome of the high level committee chaired by Transport Minister Pandurang Madkaikar appointed by the Government to study the helmet issue as decided by the Goa Legislative Assembly in its last session. MAG Convenor Premanand A. Lotlikar expressed confidence that if there is a sincere crackdown on reckless, negligent and drunken driving the alarming rate of accidents will see a steep dive and that this has to be coupled by improving the conditions of our roads and by curbing the rampant corruption in the Police and transport departments. Mr. Lotlikar urged the Chief Minister to keep up to the categorical assurance given by him two years ago to a delegation of MAG in the presence of Transport Minister Pandurang Madkaikar and Santa Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes that the government would make certain exemptions to the use of helmets. Mr. Cisto Dias said that the enforcement of the helmet rule had nothing to do with road safety but is a ploy by certain vested interests in connivance with the helmet manufacturer's lobby. Mr. Vaman Keni lamented that two-wheeler riders were being killed inspite of wearing helmets due to the apathy of the authorities to infuse traffic sense on our roads. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar
