Team Herald
MARGAO: Leaders and citizens from across Goa have strongly condemned the assault on several media personnel during Saturday’s protest in Margao against Subhash Velingkar. The incident has sparked outrage over the violation of press freedom and the role of the police in handling public demonstrations.
The altercation occurred on Saturday night when police officers reportedly manhandled a journalist from Margao and used lathis to disperse the gathering near the Old Market Circle. The protestors were demanding the arrest of Velingkar for his controversial remarks about St Francis Xavier.
The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) was quick to respond, denouncing the attack and calling for the immediate suspension of the officers involved. GUJ president Rajtilak Naik said, "This is a direct attack on the freedom of the press. The action of the police is highly condemnable." He also demanded a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that justice is served.
In addition to the GUJ, local leaders also voiced their concerns. Dixon Vaz, Sarpanch of the Cavelossim Village Panchayat, criticised the assault, saying, "Reporting facts is the fundamental duty of the press and cannot be suppressed by such an act."
Advocate Pratima Coutinho echoed these sentiments. "The assault on on-duty journalists is clear-cut evidence that this government is here to suppress all," she stated.
The incident has reignited discussions about the need to ensure the safety of journalists and all individuals, regardless of their profession, during public demonstrations.
Many have demanded that those responsible for the attack be held accountable and that stronger measures be implemented to protect press freedom in Goa.