MARGAO
Representatives of a number of Konkani organisations came out strongly on Saturday to condemn Bajrang Dal’s protests at the residence of Konkani writer and thinker Uday Bhembre.
The representatives who met at the Konkani Bhasha Mandal on Saturday has called for a protest meet at the St Sebastian open floor, near Chowgule College junction, Margao, at 4.30 pm in support of democracy, free speech and Udaybab.
Addressing the media, president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Ratnamala Diukar said what has happened Friday night at the residence of Uday Bhembre is not acceptable in a democratic set up. She said the time has come to tell all and sundry that this is not acceptable in Goa. “In the past, Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo had come under attack for his writings. If they had anything to say to Uday Bhembre’s statement, they should have invited him for a debate,” she said.
Suspecting government’s silence on the issue, Ratnamala said doubts have been raised amongst the people whether the government will initiate action in the matter. She urged the people of Goa to arise and unite to protect the secular fabric of Goa. “We hope the government will initiate an inquiry and arrest the persons involved in the protests,” she demanded.
Prakash Naik said those who speak about Goa’s history and religious conversions should understand that the Portuguese had come to Goa in 1510 while Shivaji was born 120 years later.
He said the Konkani society will not remain quite if the government does not initiate action against all those who went to the residence of Uday Bhembre on Friday night. “I demand that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant initiate action and arrest the trouble makers within 24 hours,” he demanded.
Bhembre lodges complaint against Bajrang Dal leader for veiled threat
MARGAO: A day after the protests by Bajrang Dal at his residence, noted Konkani writer Uday Bhembre on Saturday lodged a police complaint alleging that leader Viraj Desai allegedly used offensive language and issued veiled threats.
The Fatorda police said they are conducting an inquiry into the complaint lodged by Bhembre.
In his complaint, Bhembre said the group shouted slogans about Shivaji Maharaj, saying that Viraj addressed me in an indecent and violent language, accusing him that he had a Portuguese passport and that he is in favour of the Portuguese.
He further alleged that Viraj claimed that he was against the Hindus and is also against the Chief Minister and the Bahujan Samaj. “More than a year ago, Viraj had put out a video giving me open threats, which I had ignored. Other members of the group cheered Viraj when he used abusive and provocative language while addressing me,” he stated.
Bhembre further stated that he has learnt that the same group has burnt his effigy and spoke about him in abusive language provoking others to harm him.
