QUEPEM: The concerned locals of Quepem on Saturday raised voice demanding justice to tribal rights activist Fr Stan Swamy, who died in the hospital while undergoing medical treatment, at the age of 84, recently.
While protesting at Quepem Square Garden, to condemn the death of Fr Stan and misuse of an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA),
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Joao Fernandes said, “Those people who are fighting for the marginalised section of society for justice are been targeted and booked under UAPA. This law was enacted in 1969 to fight Naxalites and terrorists but today the Central government is using the law to suppress the decent marginalised people of society and misuses against the senior citizens like Fr Stan.
Supporting the protest, Congress leader Alton D’Costa said, ”Fr
Stan was a Jesuit priest who had worked for the welfare of the tribals in Jharkhand for more than 30 years. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) claimed he had Maoist links, which Fr Stan denied and was arrested unlawfully and treated unwisely in the jail without considering the medical condition, which is responsible for his death.”
“The Congress Party condemns the unlawful act by the Central government,” said Alton.
Another activist from Quepem, Rupesh velip said, “We condemned the death of Fr Stan. This act is against humanity. Here we can notice that the common man’s voice was put under pressure when they stand to support the cause of tribal people.”
AAP leader from Curchorem, James Fernandes expressed anger against the government authorities the way Fr Stan was jailed during COVID-19 pandemic and repeatedly denied bail.
Many locals came to support the protest against an unlawful act which is responsible for the death of Fr Stan Swamy.
