PORVORIM: Likeminded residents of Porvorim along with social activists and politicians from across the State participated in the candlelight vigil, to seek justice for RTI Activist Vilas Methar, who was brutally murdered by setting ablaze on October 15, at Salvador do Mundo, on Tuesday.
During the vigil, people prayed for the soul of late Vilas Methar and held a peaceful march. Social activists including Rama Kankonkar, members of Goenche Rakhondar, Avartino Miranda of Goa Green Bridged, Walter Lobo and members of different political parties including Congress, BJP, AAP and NCP participated.
Alleging that the local panchayat, police and politicians are hand in gloves with builder mafia, Ravi Harmalkar, an activist from Anjuna said, “The present elected body of the local panchayat, police and politicians who are hand in gloves with the builder mafia are responsible for this horrific incident. These three authorities safeguard the builder lobby instead of safeguarding the common people who allow them to carry out illegal activities.”
“These three sections should change their work of functioning to stop such incident from happening,” Harmalkar alleged.
“It’s the government and judiciary that should give justice to Methar by getting through the roots of the incidents and getting hold the mastermind behind this crime. The government machinery is being used in wrongly. Police should show courage and take brave decision and not let the people lose hope in Police Department,” Harmalkar said.
Demanding stringent action and justice to late RTI activist Vilas Methar, a local said,” It’s shocking to hear that such incident occurred in backyard of our village and in our State in broad daylight for questioning the authorities. This can happen to anyone who raises voice against the illegalities. I request and demand for stringent steps and get to the culprit and make it as an eye opener to everybody.”
Rajan Ghate, a RTI activist from Siolim said, “Through RTI, facts and illegalities are revealed and while doing this, RTI activist go through threats but such incident of setting someone a blaze had never happened. Goa is turning into Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Chief Minister itself is receiving threat messages, this shows the State of law and order in Goa.”
Meanwhile, the locals also raised their question on the absence of local MLA during the candle light vigil and also requested MLA to make statement on this horrific incident.
Activists also said that it’s the responsibility of the government and local MLA when any such incidents occur. They also slammed the government for such incident.
