LONDON
A group of Goans staged a protest in London on September 21 to denounce the recent attack on social activist Rama Kankonkar at Caranzalem-Panaji.
In their address to the gathering and on social media, speakers said the Goan community in the UK was shocked by the brazen attack on Kankonkar in broad daylight.
“Though many Goans left Goa in search of a better living and now live in the UK, they are closely connected to Goa. This dastardly attack on someone who is fighting in a democratic way to protect our Goa is shocking and unacceptable,” said Salvador Pereira, a social activist in West London.
Pereira insisted that those behind the attack should be given strict punishment.
“We encourage people like Radharao Gracias, Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Pereira and Dr Oscar Rebelo to continue their fight to protect Goa, and we will support this cause,” he added.
Ella Fernandes said ‘Niz Goenkars’ would support Kankonkar from different parts of the world.
“It is shocking that Rama was attacked by a group in broad daylight for his passion to protect Goa,” said Fernandes, who was based in Dubai before moving to the UK.
Lina Travasso said Kankonkar is one of the many Goan activists fighting to protect Goa.
“When they appeal for help to protect Goa, we should all support such calls. Many of our Goans are away from Goa, and we may not be able to be present to support the cause in Goa, but our support for such causes will always be there. All those living in Goa should support Rama and other social activists who are protecting Goa,” said Travasso.
Actor and comedian Bruno de Areal had flown in from Kuwait to perform for a Tiatr in London.
On hearing that a group of UK Goans were holding a protest meet in support of Rama Kankonkar, Bruno decided to join in the protest.
Addressing the gathering, Bruno said he was deeply hurt on hearing about the attack on Rama Kankonkar in broad daylight.
“This is an attack on all Goans. If such attacks take place in broad daylight, one can only imagine what could happen after dark. I request the Goa government to take strict action against the culprits and ensure that Goans are protected so that such cases do not happen again,” said Bruno.
“No matter where we live in the world, our love for Goa will never disappear, and we will always fight to save Goa. We do not want criminals to destroy Goa,” he added.
Later when contacted, Salvador Pereira told The Goan that they would monitor the situation in Goa.
“Depending on the situation in Goa, we may consider similar protest meetings in other parts of the UK,” said Pereira.
