PANAJI
Leaders of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a unique ‘Chatai-Ushe Andolan’ outside Panaji Police Station, accusing the police of harassing opposition leaders and acting at the behest of the BJP government.
Addressing the media on Thursday, AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik said party leaders were summoned by police over an effigy-burning protest. “We were summoned by police over burning of an effigy outside BJP office which happened on March 5. No traffic was blocked. The protest was held without any disturbance,” said AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik
AAP leaders sat on mats outside the police station to protest what they described as the misuse of police force against activists and opposition members.
According to the party, police personnel were not present when the effigy was burnt and only arrived after the protest had concluded. The party further alleged that a complaint in the matter was filed by police officer Umesh Shirodkar despite no objections from local residents or the public. “No one had a problem with the protest. No resident or local person complained. It was the police themselves who initiated action alleging violation of the code of conduct,” Valmiki Naik said.
AAP leaders alleged that the police were focusing on political vendetta instead of maintaining law and order, accusing them of targeting opposition voices on behalf of the BJP.
