MAPUSA: Former Revenue Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has alleged that Goa government is making use of Section 144 to suppress the democracy and people’s voice.
“People are raising their voice against the illegalities of government however since the section 144 is enforced, the government using the same to suppress democracy and the people’s protesting against it”, Khaunte charged.
“When people tried to raise their voice against Mhadei, the Section 144 was imposed. Similarly with mining, floating jetties, quarantine facility and now casinos where people’s voices are suppressed with the imposition of Section 144. Government is using this to prevent protests. In name of mining and to improve the State’s economy, illegal mining is going on. Quarantine tourism is already underway and number of outsiders from Delhi, Mumbai and other parts are already into the State. By opening 50 per cent hotels, the government is trying to open casinos to improve self economy and not State. Once the casinos open, it will lead to outbreak of corona in the air-conditioned closed ships”, he claimed.
Criticising the government for deliberately mismanaging in the State and for using the Section 144 in a planned manner, he claimed saying, “The laws are only for Goans to suppress their voices, but on the other hand the government wants to bring more outsiders into State and turn Goa into a Red Zone. If life is normalised in Goa then there is no requirement of Section 144 which should be withdrawn immediately”.
