ASSAGAO: Over three hundred-odd people gathered outside Rumba nightclub in Assagao to hold a candlelight protest against the mushrooming of illegal night clubs disturbing the peace of the village with loud music being played.
The protesters alleged that most of these night clubs do not have construction license and demanded that these clubs should not be able allowed to operate.
“There are many night clubs which play loud music well into the night, thus disturbing our sleep. One of them is Rumba. I am happy that members of all communities got together to fight this nuisance,” said 80-year-old Desmond Alvares.
The Rumba night club is situated close to a temple, a chapel and residential houses.
“It is nice that so many people got together, but I was a little disappointed because many of us were not given an opportunity to voice our grievances,” said local resident, Ida Fonseca, who participated in the candle light protest.
“This protest is a good step, but we need to question the panchayat and need to know what the next steps are being taken to stop such illegalities. We cannot be taken for granted,” asserted Fonseca.
“There are a lot of illegal activities structures and wrong things happening in Assagao today. It is just not Rumba but many other establishments that re operating without the necessary licenses and this fight should be against all and not just one place,” said Avertino Miranda of Green Brigade, who added more light with his candle.
“A lot of illegalities have been allowed to mushroom in the village and I am fighting many cases in the High Court and am therefore of the opinion that this candlelight protest should bring all wrong doings to light,” added Miranda.
“Assagao is today the epicentre of all illegalities and hence all illegalities should be targeted if we are going to start cleaning the mess. All should be stopped and not just one,” reasoned Miranda.
“Creating awareness is fine, but it is even better when we are allowed to express ourselves and I think the organisers of this candle light protest should have given us the opportunity to speak and seek clarifications from our panchayat,” said Suzette Dias, another local.
