MARGAO
A protest organized by the Popular Front of India and the Social Democratic Party of India on the footpath in front of the South Goa District Collectorate on Monday morning ended up with the police arresting five of the protesters for unlawful assembly and allegedly promoting hatred and enmity.
Armed with placards and banners, members of the two organizations were protesting against the demolition of the Babri Masjid and demanding the arrest of those involved in the incident.
A team of Fatorda police station headed by police station in-charge PI Kapil Nayak arrived at the spot and questioned the members for assembling without permission.
PI Kapil pointed out that since the Supreme Court has already resolved the matter, holding the protest was out of question.
Shaikh Muzaffar, however, pointed out that the protesters are in no way disputing the judgement of the court on the demolition. Muzaffar said he was not disputing the judgement, but wanted those responsible for the demolition arrested as the SC had clearly termed the act as illegal.
The Fatorda police later arrested Imran Mohammed, resident of Davorlim, Zabir Ahmed Shaikh, resident of Sirvodem-Margao, Sayed Iftiyaz, resident of Grande-Madel, Margao, D B Rayees Anjum, Borda, Margao and Shaikh Muzaffar Ahmad, Raia-Arlem.
In the FIR, the police said that the accused persons along with 100 others organised an illegal protest. The FIR further stated that the protesters formed an unlawful assembly with their common object and continued the protest in spite of instructions to disperse. The police said the accused delivered inciting speeches which could have widespread ramifications.
