Members of the Swabhimani Cuncolkar address the media in support of a local trader allegedly facing harassment from the Cuncolim Municipal Council. Captured by : Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Prominent leaders and citizens of Cuncolim have united under the banner of Swabhimani Cuncolkar to protest what they term as targeted injustice and political harassment against a local businessman.
The group, comprising Elvis Gomes, Dr Jorson Fernandes and others, alleged that the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) is being "weaponised by political forces" to clamp down on Irineu Coutinho, a resident who has run his fabrication business in the area for many years. They claimed that Coutinho is getting targeted solely because he actively raises his voice against social ills plaguing the constituency.
Gomes stated that the actions of the municipal council amount to "blatant and unjust harassment under external political pressure".
Speaking on the broader state of the municipality, Dr Jorson highlighted the "stark contrast between political rhetoric and ground reality". He noted that despite past grand promises to develop Cuncolim "on the lines of Singapore", the town is currently battling severe, unchecked pollution due to failed political commitments.
Representing the local business community, Yatin Talaulikar of the traders' association vehemently defended Coutinho, calling the case against him entirely "bogus". He criticised the council for "succumbing to pressure" to harass local businesses instead of fostering a supportive environment for them.
Echoing the sentiments, Mansoor Shaikh warned that a "dangerous precedent" is being set in the town, where raising legitimate civic issues routinely results in retaliatory harassment by the council.
The ‘Swabhimani Cuncolkar’ collective has vowed to resist any further victimisation of local citizens and traders, promising a sustained front against undesirable political interference in Cuncolim’s local affairs.
