THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2024
DGP, keep your force intact
In keeping with the provisions of the law, the Supreme Court has reiterated through various judgments that the Police have to be totally and absolutely insulated from any political influence or machinations whatsoever. Bureaucrats regardless of their position are duty bound to uphold only the Rule of Law at all times.
Bearing this in mind, the statement made by Goa’s current DGP Mukesh Kumar Meena is outrageous. While publicly threatening those who are trying to save the remaining lungs of Goa, DGP Meena has had the audacity to cross his brief and state that those three very controversial projects being opposed by the people are in the national interest and were being executed after proper study and research. On what basis has the DGP come to that conclusion and taken it upon on himself to speak on policy decisions taken by the Government?. Doesn’t the DGP know that these controversial projects which are against the interests of Goa are being opposed by people across the State including even some Ministers and ruling MLA?
These biased statements by the DGP are ever so reckless and has tarnished the reputation of the Goa Police by acting as a political tool of the Government. DGP Meena should either seek a voluntary transfer out of Goa or withdraw those statements while apologising to the people of Goa.
Goa’s current lawlessness is there for all to see, and it reflects the inefficiency of the now politically controlled and manoeuvred Goa Police who by their acts of omission and commission have miserably failed to ensure Law and Order in Goa’s once most tranquil State. It now brings into question the competence and partisan attitude of DGP Meena whose conduct should otherwise have been exemplary. Instead he is now sadly publicly proven to be a mouthpiece of the government.
Integrity is the foundation of law enforcement. Anyone lacking in integrity should not be in law enforcement at any levels. Police officers must be dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any and all times. They must uphold the law and not act as cheer leaders while never daring to be dumb mouthpieces for a party or Government in Power. In failing to do so, our DGP Meena’s utterances sadly indicate that he has only eroded public confidence and trust in the very people that look to him for protection.
Instead of making political statements which he by law is not entitled to, DGP Meena should reflect as to why all criminal offences in Goa are not being duly registered. The Government wants to project to the world that Goa is a safe haven while the grim ground reality is starkly there to the contrary.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Please don’t be complacent
Not the time to be complacent; let us avoid the second wave
It is heartening to note that the Covid-19 cases have been on a decline over the past few weeks. This is not the time for the Government to be complacent but to put in place measures for increased testing and a full-fledged protocol for testing visitors that enter Goa.
The economy definitely has to revive but not at the cost of risking the lives of innocent Goans.Tourists vacationing in the state pay no heed to the covid-19 safety norms by breaking social distancing rules and not wearing masks.
With no testing protocols in place for visitors entering the state, Goa may be on the brink of witnessing a second wave. It is my humble request to the Government of Goa to act swiftly and construct a robust protocol for testing visitors entering the state in order to check the spread of Covid-19.
Sheldon Rodrigues, Navelim
Criminals beware, we got your number
In a welcome move a dedicated 24-hour WhatsApp number (7875756177 ) has been launched by the Goa police to help women across the State in any form of distress. Not only women, but any person desirous of reporting a crime against the fairer sex can dial up and expect immediate intervention, it is commendable that the State machinery has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards atrocities against women.
For wider acceptance and use this initiative should be advertised at schools, colleges, hotels, markets, multiplexes and all ports of entry to the state. Also mobile phone manufacturers should be mandated by law to compulsorily incorporate a panic button on their handsets which should be linked to real time location tracking. The button may not have a physical form but can be added to the phone screen as a software app or virtual icon. One jab at the button should lead to hazard calls being automatically sent out to the nearest police station or checkpoint and relatives/friends of the affected being alerted.
Of late the crime rate in Goa has been on the ascendant but hopefully this exclusively assigned number/button would go a long way in curbing crime.Maybe the police should also think of a dedicated number for reporting crimes against children.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Everybody hurts, but Goa!
Maharashtra has SOPs mandating covid-19 negative certificates for air/rail passengers from 4 States - including Goa. All the other 3 States are in the grip of rising positive cases. Delhi Health Minister says the State is in the grip of a 3rd wave, 2 weeks back! One might just might question why Goa is included in the list by Maharashtra? That is because everybody can get hurt very badly from Covid and everyone knows that Goa is open to passengers from all over India with no restrictions and that all such people do not even wear masks.
So, Maharashtra knows the repercussions from this. Everyone knows but Goa! Everyone knows that Goans are at a very high risk, except the Goa Government! And everyone knows the volume of people coming to Goa these months and that the fines for not wearing masks and other SOP’s are on paper alone.
Mind you, other State Governments know this! Sadly, unlike the song, we are alone. We are laughing at Trump not leaving. Little do we realise that the Goa Government was formed exactly the way Trump is trying. Goa has trumped the US.
R Fernandes, Margao
Increase mask fine to Rs 1000
Hordes of tourists are seen on the beaches in the state flouting rules of wearing the mask and social distancing. With an increase in the number of Covid-19 positive cases in states like Delhi and Maharashtra, people are thronging to Goa where the number of cases have dipped. This is a dangerous situation as (God forbid) Goa could witness a second wave of the infection which is supposed to be deadlier than the first one.
Tourists visiting the beaches may be of the impression that due to the sea breeze there is minimal possibility of catching the infection. Hence they do not wear the mask. They could be wearing the mask at other places by not at the beach as they want to enjoy fresh air, especially those who have come from Delhi in order to escape the pollution there. In fact the breeze could spread the virus to larger areas infecting more people. Strict vigil needs to be kept on those not wearing the mask on the beach. The government has increased the fine for not wearing the mask from Rs. 100 to Rs 200.
This marginal increase may not be sufficient to deter the tourists from roaming on the beach without a mask. The fine should have been at least Rs 1000 given the fact that not wearing a mask puts the lives of others at risk.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
