The Goa
Forward Party (GFP) Friday clarified a remark made by its president Vijai Sardesa
i about "weaponising youth" to protect "Goanness".
The GFP
is a constituent of the BJP-led Goagovernment.
During the inauguration of the GFP's head
office earlier this week, Sardesai
had said, "We are willing to go anywhere to protect the interests of Goans. And if our government has made a mistake, then we will weaponise youth to ensure that Goanness is protected."
The statement had received strong criticism with the opposition Congress
demanding an apology from Sardesai, also Deputy Chief Minister
in the Pramod Sawant government
.Justifying the comment, GFP general secretary
Prashant Naik
said Sardesai's statement was "misinterpreted".
"Weaponising youth does not mean promoting violence. It does not mean we will give weapons in the hands of youths," he said.