The Opposition in tensified its attack on the State government over the recent assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar, alleging that those truly responsible were being shielded, and warned of a pub lic agitation in Canacona that could spill onto National High way 66 if the ‘real mastermind’ was not arrested. Speaking at a public meeting in Shristhal as part of the ‘Goa Against Gundaraj’ campaign, Goa Forward Party (GFP) pres ident Vijai Sardesai said “the incident exposes the atmos phere of impunity fostered un der the BJP.” He described the attack as not only an attempt to silence an activist but also a message to the Gauda, Kunbi and Velip communities whose long-pending demands on for est rights, tribal sub-plan and political reservation remain unaddressed. GFP general secretary Prashant Naik warned, “Cana cona residents will block NH66 if the authorities continued to sidestep the ‘kingpin’ behind the assault. We have carried out such protests before and are prepared to do it again un til the true culprit is brought to justice.” Aam Aadmi Party (AAP’s) Goa president Amit Palekar ac cused the ruling party of nurtur ing violence, remarking that the Opposition would not be cowed down by threats. “The BJP has turned into a party of Gundas, but the people of Goa are ready to fight back and throw them out of power,” he said. Other speakers included Mohandas Lolienkar of GFP and local activists Xencor Pol ji, Fidoll Pereira and Meshu D’Costa, who echoed demands for accountability. Meanwhile, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, in a video mes sage released the same day, ex pressed doubts over the police line of investigation, claiming that a cabinet minister — whom he referred to as the “Godfather General” — may have orchestrated the attack. Ferreira questioned why po lice had attributed the assault to personal enmity with local man Zenito Cardozo despite eyewitness accounts suggest ing otherwise. “Such an attack in broad daylight without hel mets or masks points to back ing from powerful quarters,” he said, urging investigators to scrutinise phone records and other communications. “The chief minister must re move goonda ministers from the cabinet. The law and order will continue to collapse un less the government acts deci sively,” warned Ferreira.
