SUNDAY, MAY 05, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday condemned in the strongest terms the suppression of civil society protests against the rise of crimes against women in Goa.
In a media statement AAP said, “Citizens and youth of Goa had planned a silent candle march at Miramar circle on August 1 but was prohibited and suppressed at the behest of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Citizens asked why this alacrity was not shown in protecting the lives of women”.
“To add insult to injury the BJP and Sawant permitted their partners the Congress to take out a rally but denied the same to Goa's civic society and youth. This doublespeak is not surprising considering that the Congress did not rebuke the CM for his statements in the Assembly”, the party said.
“The fact is that the week saw three rape victims in the State. Many are outraged at the lack of concrete action taken to reassure women of their safety and also by the chief minister’s statements pinning the blame of the rape on victims and their families instead of condemning the rapists”, AAP stated.
The party further said that the Goans feel that instead of wasting energy targeting in condemning the incident the government could support the victims and ensure justice is met. Without stern steps the perpetrators of such crimes will only be emboldened further.
"Enough is enough," stated Convenor Rahul Mhambre. "Instead of stopping protests it is time that Sawant began outlining what concrete steps he will take to prevent a repeat, what concrete steps he will take to help the victims and their families and if he cannot even do that he must resign", added Mhambre.
