PANAJI
The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) has strongly decried what they term is the “unjustified and disproportionate use of the State machinery to intimidate and prevent peaceful dissent and opposition to the DefExpo.”
In a statement released to the media, the CSJP has sought to reiterate that the right to peaceful dissent by the villagers of Naqueri, Quittol, Betul, Nuvem, Canaguinim, Khola, Ambelim, Velim, Assolna and surrounding villages against various forms of injustice is a fundamental right under the Freedom of Expression.
“The unprecedented instances of abuse of State machinery and judiciary by the State and Union Government in a bid to curb the secular, socialist and democratic spaces of citizens by concocting stories about possible threat to security and law and order is a matter of serious concern and absolutely deplorable,” CSJP executive secretary Fr Savio Fernandes has said.
The CSJP is referring to notices issued to some of the protesters citing the ‘likelihood to commit breach of peace' and ‘disturb peace and tranquillity of the locality’ and forcing citizens to enter into a bond for Rs 20,000 with one surety and keeping peace.
“This attempt to terrorise and restrain peaceful citizens by use of undemocratic and unjust methods can only be expected to further antagonise the people of Goa and vitiate the atmosphere for which the government will be solely responsible,” Fr Fernandes said.
He said that the Council expresses its solidarity with the genuine and peaceful struggle of the aforementioned villages to oppose the high-handed approach of the Government of Goa.
