The Narkasur festivities in parts of the State have exposed the fact that our law and order enforcement apparatus is either ill-equipped to handle situations or helpless. This year’s festivities spiralled out of control, leaving ordinary citizens distressed more than ever before, but above that, it also reaffirmed the belief that there is no fear of the police. The Narkasur events, which should have been a showcase of local culture and a way for the community to bond, turned into an ugly display of devastation, violence, and total disregard for the law.
The incident of fireworks being set off inside a private car by an agitated group of people just outside the outpost at Honda-Sattari sets a horrible example. According to reports, the car belonged to a person who had complained about noise pollution. This daring act of hooliganism, committed right in front of the police outpost, says it all. A few arrests may have followed, but that is not the answer. This has set a horrible precedent, with the messaging that “this is the way we will deal with whoever complains, and we don’t care for the police”. The Mala incident, where police were confronted while discharging their duties, again shows that “the fear factor” has faded.
Citizens complain of noise pollution because the police have been failing to act on their own. The din at this year’s Narkasur extended well beyond midnight and, in some cases, went beyond 4 am. Unruly scenes were witnessed in Panaji, St Inez, St Cruz, and even far-flung places like Quepem, and a few along the north coastal belt.
It is apparent that the excessive promotion and politicisation of Narkasur events over the years have led to this turnaround, and the event, which once used to be a normal interactive cultural activity, has increasingly become more hospitable for acts of excessive drinking, loud music, and reckless behaviour, leading to heightened public distress. It’s now being seen as an unruly spectacle, with core values and significance completely distorted.
The negative consequences for society, in general, are just as disconcerting because there are vulnerable residents, especially senior citizens and those ailing at home, who have to silently endure the agony of such chaos. The authorities' repeated failure to prevent the outbreak of the chaos indicates that the society's moral framework, which includes the values of peace, safety, and respect for the law, is rapidly deteriorating. Even though the government's promises may sound good and somewhat comforting, they are totally inadequate in tackling the underlying problems.
We understand that the police may be overlooking the situation because of the political undercurrents and the ideological tilts, but for certain, we are not setting right precedents here. We, as a State, are nurturing evil ways that may eventually have monstrous results. The society as a whole cannot afford to ignore its responsibilities in this respect of keeping festivals meaningful and encouraging responsible celebrations within the parameters of public order and peace. What we have seen is that the Narkasurs are only getting bigger, and the chaos is growing louder. Not a positive sign.
Authorities must ensure that the genuine festival spirit prevails. It’s not for the police alone, the clean-up will require a joint effort of the government, local people, youth, and all those politicos who are using this medium as a platform. Let the Narkasur festival be one that upholds the State’s cultural values that make up its identity, and for heaven’s sake, let peace prevail.
