PANJIM: The viral videos and images of violators of lockdown orders being ‘punished’ by the CISF and police was brought to the notice of the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) by a host of activists led by Kashinath Shetye.
The complainants took strong objection over the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to discipline the people violating the orders, while also alleging that it could lead to uncontrollable civil unrest if hungry citizens are met by CISF “disciplining.”
“There is no riot like situation in the State but a medical emergency, which is affecting the people of Goa. Instead of streamlining the process of acquiring the necessary food supplies to the people, present day government has pooled CISF force from outside the State borders which in turn may be a threat to the Goan Public, as it is not known whether the force staff that have been requisitioned from different parts of India, infected with COVID-19. It is also not known whether before entering the State medical examination of each have been done,” the complainants further added.
“The primary place for the CISF in the current situation should have been in assisting the supply chain in disaster management – ensuring a robust service delivery of essential and helping the stranded people,” the complaint copy adds as the activists sought framing of guidelines to prevent ‘brutal and merciless’ beating of people and to also recommend action against the CISF and police force. The Commission has served notice on Goa government and CISF, through Assistant Solicitor General Pravin Faldesai for reply by April 1, the date when the matter will be heard next.
