PANJIM: Civil society members, coming together under the banner of Dakshinayn Abhiyan on Wednesday in Panjim, demanded a police investigation against Sanathan Saunstha, after noted writer Damodar Mauzo received threats to his life from fundamentalist forces involved in the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh.
The Abhiyan members condemned the cowardly attempts to threaten the freedom of expression and create a fear complex amongst secular and liberal writers and journalists who fight regressive feudal forces that spread hatred in Indian society.
The group has called for an investigation into the activities of the Saunstha citing their alleged involvement in criminal activities.
“People of different religions, caste and creed live in unity in Goa. We should condemn acts like this (threat to Mauzo). We all should come together and fight against such elements,” writer Dilip Borkar said addressing the gathering.
He slammed the government for not acting tough against the Saunstha after two of its members were allegedly found to be involved in the Diwali-eve bomb blast in 2009. The State government was then run by the Congress-led coalition.
He was backed by writer Tomazinho Cardozo who cited that Konkani writers are being threatened in the name of caste. “Government/police should investigate the Sanathan Saunstha,” he demanded.
“There are attempts to suppress the voice of the writers. It is not a good time writers are facing in Goa,” said one of the writers.
Mauzo and his family members have been given police protection after the threat and this prompt action was appreciated by the people. The protest meet was backed by opposition MLAs and the AAP and GFP. Konkani writers and lovers of the regional language were also present.
