Team Herald
MARGAO: People from various walks of life on Sunday vowed to go to any extent to protect the unity and freedom of speech in the State and warned of a massive agitation at Lohia Maidan if the Bajrang Dal members who threatened former MLA and historian Adv Uday Bhembre are not arrested immediately.
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Condemning the Bajrang Dal for ridiculing and threatening Adv Bhembre, the citizens, who assembled at short notice at a public meeting held at the open floor of St Sebastian Chapel, Margao, demanded immediate police action, asserting that the group is trying to terrorise those with opposing secular viewpoints.
The gathering warned that if unchecked, this group could destroy Goa’s tolerant and secular culture.
Participants criticised the police for their lack of action over the past two days, which has only emboldened the perpetrators. They also called out the government’s failure to act in past incidents, which they believe has led to the audacity of the attackers targeting a senior Goan citizen at night.
Demanding immediate police protection for Adv Bhembre, they urged the government to take immediate action against the culprits to uphold freedom of expression.
Appealing to the people to protect democracy, which is under threat, noted Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo said, “Justice, liberty, fraternity, and equality—these four fundamental rights of Indian citizens need to be safeguarded.
Expressing sympathy for Adv Bhembre, Mauzo questioned: “Why do the police remain silent? Is there anyone behind this attack?”
Social activist Prashant Naik warned of a massive agitation at Lohia Maidan if the accused were not arrested immediately.
Noting that similar incidents in the past two years appear to be aimed at disturbing the peace and unity among Goans, he suspected possible government involvement.
He questioned: “Who is the complainant in the case of Rama Kankonkar? If the police can arrest Rama, why have they not arrested the accused in Adv Bhembre’s case?”
Naik demanded that the government prove they are not supporting the perpetrators and clarify their stance on the incident. “We will not tolerate such incidents in the future,” he warned, calling for widespread support for a forthcoming agitation.
Vikas Bhagat, a youth participant, questioned why certain groups did not stop and investigate the demolition of the temple in Porvorim. “We, too, have the courage to stand up as those accused have done at Adv Bhembre’s residence. We demand the arrest of all those who insulted Bhembre,” he asserted.
The Goa unit of Dakshinayan Abhiyan (DA) condemned the unwarranted attack on freedom of speech. Without delving into the merits of the debate on Shivaji, the DA said that it firmly stands with Adv Bhembre’s right to hold and express his viewpoints on all social media platforms.
“The Constitution of India protects his right to free speech and expression. What Adv. Bhembre said it was not hate speech; it was simply a viewpoint contrary to that expressed by the Chief Minister. The Bajrang Dal is only emboldened by the government’s tacit support, especially when they take the law into their own hands through moral policing and other activities that fall under the State’s domain,” said Adv Cleofato Almeida Coutinho.
“The DA demands immediate police action to control such elements. Immediate action is necessary to ensure that liberal voices are not silenced by hooligans who cannot act without the blessings of the government,” said Coutinho.
