In a pow erful demonstration of public outrage, cit izens from across Goa gathered in Margao on Monday evening for a candlelight protest, condemning the brutal assault on social activ ist Rama Kankonkar. Demonstrators issued a stern warning to the government and po lice that any attempt to shield the master minds or dilute the case would be met with intensified public re sistance, including the possibility of a State wide bandh. The protest drew social organisations, religious leaders, ar tistes, youth groups and political represent atives. Their message was clear — Goans will not remain silent in the face of violence, intimi dation and the growing lawlessness. MLA Venzy Viegas de livered one of the sharp est critiques, accusing the government of try ing to bury the case. “We don’t want gundaraj in Goa. The real master mind must be arrested immediately. This attack is on every Goan. If we remain quiet now, to morrow they will attack us in our own homes,” he warned.
Viegas added that he had been asked to apologise for entering the BJP office in protest but vowed he would not. “We want to know which minister is involved. If action is not taken, we will call for a Goa bandh. United, we can send criminals to jail — and those protecting them back home,” he declared. Activist Jack Mascarenhas described the assault as “an attack on our rights and our identity” and demanded ac countability and protection for all citizens. “We will not be afraid and will continue to fight to safeguard Goa,” he said. Fr Eremito Rebello urged all groups to rise above par ty lines. “We are fighting against gundaraj in Goa, and no political party should exploit this situation. Politicians are favouring the lawless, and police are unable to act because of interference. The Chief Minister must take strong action now. It is time to unite and fight for Goa,” he said. Theatre personality Wilmix Mazarello warned that Goa could face the same turmoil seen in other States if the issue is not addressed. “This is just the trailer. We need a thor ough investigation to expose the mastermind,” he said. Kennedy Alfonso called the assault “an attempt to sup press voices,” while Swapnesh Shelekar stressed the im portance of convincing more Goans to participate in social struggles. MLA Cruz Silva said every Goan was hurt by the attack and insisted the agitation must continue until justice is de livered. “The government fears this could spark an agita tion similar to Nepal. But our warning is clear: we will not stop,” he said. Other speakers, including Fidol Pereira and Valmiki, ac cused the ruling dispensation of trying to divert attention while the main accused remained at large. “This attack is a slap on every Goan. If the accused get bail, our protests will only grow stronger,” Pereira said. The protest concluded with a rallying cry – “We Goans are one and united,” echoing the public’s demand for jus tice and warning of larger agitations if the masterminds are not swiftly brought to book. Organisers also announced a follow-up protest in Old Goa on September 23, continuing the call for unity and justice