The protesters criticised Goa Police for manhandling elderly ladies and others protesting peacefully in Panjim. People came in large numbers and assembled outside Anjuna Police Station showing solidarity with the arrested protesters.
Nobody, including media persons, was allowed inside the police station by police Inspectors Paresh Naik and Rajesh Kumar who blocked the entrance gate with police staff. Over 200 protesters had been brought to Anjuna Police Station in buses from Panjim and were later released.
Speaking to media persons from inside Anjuna Police Station compound, activist Valmiki Naik said, “The Goa Police selectively applied Section 144 against the peaceful protesters seeking justice for Fr Bismarque while people were arriving in Panjim for IFFI were not detained or arrested by Goa Police. We were detained while getting ready to offer prayers as a means of our protest and seek justice for Fr Bismarque. We have asked the police to drop us at the place from where we were picked up as criminals or else we are ready to sit here and protest till our demands are met.”
Prakash Bandodkar said, “The decision of the BJP government to rough up peaceful protesters in Panjim proves that the government is fully behind the murder of Fr Bismarque. The voice of Goans will not be suppressed by such dirty tactics. The people of Goa will rise and fight for what Fr Bismarque fought and sacrificed his life.”
Adv Mark Lobo said, “Whatever decision the government has taken regarding imposition of Section 144 for IFFI cannot be imposed as there is was no emergency. The people had only gone to pray and seek justice. We will challenge its imposition very shortly.
at the appropriate forum.”
Paul Fernandes said, “A call for justice for Fr Bismarque brought thousands down to Panjim while the BJP Govt and Goa Police tried their tricks to stop buses in various parts of the State. We thank the people of Goa for showing their solidarity towards the cause of Fr Bismarque and hope to carry on the fight to its logical conclusion.”
