PANAJI/MARGAO
The South Goa Collector (District Magistrate) has been empowered for the next three months to invoke powers under a specific section of the National Security Act (NSA) related to detention of individuals who may cause disturbances but the government said it was a "routine exercise".
“The Government of Goa, having regard to the circumstances prevailing in South Goa District of the State of Goa, is satisfied that it is necessary so to do, hereby directs that during a period of three months from the date of commencement of this Order, the District Magistrate of South Goa may also exercise the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of said Section 3, within the local limits of his jurisdiction, if he is satisfied as provided in said sub-section (2),” states the Order.
The sub-section (2) of section 3 of the NSA gives powers to the Collector to make orders for detention of such persons who are a threat to the State's security or public order.
It also relates to individuals who may act prejudicial to maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community.
The Opposition, meanwhile, lambasted the BJP-led government for invoking NSA in South Goa, with Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai saying the chief minister has betrayed Goans on its 75th Goa Revolution Day, while Opposition leader Digambar Kamat terming it as an attempt to suppress peoples voice and create fear among Goans.
Strongly condemning the decision, Kamat said a frightened
government under Sawant has imposed the NSA in South Goa on Goa Revolution day after the Indian National Congress, Goa gave a call to the people of Goa to rise for freedom from BJP misrule.
“This is an attempt to suppress people’s voice and create fear among Goans. I strongly condemn the decision of the Government”, Kamat said.
Sardesai on his part said “on the 75th anniversary of Goa Revolution Day “ our very own Pramod Salazar has murdered the civil liberties Goa fought for.”
He added that “the government is disguising it’s hidden anti-Goemkar agenda of linear projects and coal transportation to suppress the voice of Goans who want to save their home!”
Sardesai stated that “CM’s actions are a complete betrayal of the Goa’s Revolution Day and has disregarded the sacrifice and honour of our freedom fighters including Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and Dr Julião Menezes”.
The GFP chief pointed out that the move by the government to “suppress the voice of Goans in South Goa is nothing short of an authoritative rule, as CM has not consulted any members of the Opposition, nor informed them about his decision.”
