PANJIM: Even as the protest has begun against the deployment of CIFS force in Goa for strict enforcement of lockdown, the political parties stand divided over the issue.
While Congress has ‘backed’ the BJP-led government’s decision to deploy CIFS force to bring in the required discipline amongst the public during the ongoing lockdown period, others including MGP and AAP found the move “unwarranted”.
Several social activists are already up in arms against CIFS action, after series of videos went viral, showing the personal taking some strict action against those violating the norms.
BJP president Sadanand Tanavade, supporting the decision said that CIFS have been deployed not to create any panic or terror amongst people but to ensure that lockdown is implemented in toto. “CIFS or police, no one is here to create fear amongst people but they are here to bring in required discipline. They are doing part of their job and people should cooperate,” he said.
He was backed by Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, who too felt that the deployment of CIFS will help in bringing the required discipline and ensuring that people do not simple come out of their houses and maintain social distancing, wherever required. “Normally what happens is that every police personal is known to some or the other person and hence, he or she often goes soft. With CIFS it is not the case,” he said.
“Even if two CIFS people are on field, it automatically leads to discipline. They too are human beings and won’t act unnecessarily. Their presence will help in bringing the much-needed discipline amongst public, including that of social distancing,” former chief minister said.
The MGP and AAP, however, do not feel so. According to them, it will further create panic and terror amongst people.
“There was actually no need of CIFS force in Goa, considering the fact that the people of the State are very cooperative and non-violent. In a small State like Goa, you don’t need CIFS force as police can manage it well,” MGP president Deepak Dhavalikar said.
The former Minister appealed to the government that rather than creating more panic amongst public through CIFS, efforts should be made to provide essential commodities at their doorstep.
AAP Goa chief Elvis Gomes said that Goa is a most peaceful State and hence there was no need for CIFS enforcement. “CIFS is basically been deployed to terrorise the public. People of Goa know very well how to regulate themselves. First you create shortage, then panic amongst people, who are forced to come on road for their day to day essentials. And to stop them, you brought in CIFS. How far is this justified,” he questioned.
Nearly 240 CIFS personals are deployed in the State since Sunday.
GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai said, “ I am not opposing CISF but the govt move to deploy them shows that our goa police are not capable enough to handle the situation. With the move, CM has admitted that he is not able to control the situation through police, who are facing interference from own ruling MLAs.The socio-economic conscious and educated people of goa dont have to be punished through CISF. If they are trained properly, they listen and get convince. People panic is becuse they are losing confidence in govt who has failed to convince them.”
