MARGAO
The United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) said the Goa police have done further damage to their reputation by arresting peace-loving people on Liberation Day in Panaji.
UGDP President Dr Jorson Fernandes said this has only proved yet again that the men-in-uniform act at the behest of their dictatorial masters without respect to the tenets of law and, as such, is a pointer that the present government has retired at 60 and that Salazar has taken over in Goa.
He lambasted the Goa police for acting in a high-handed manner against peaceful youngsters who had gathered to showcase their talents of singing, drama, music and dance.
“They were not involved in any unlawful activity aimed at disturbing the official government celebration on Liberation Day. Neither did they have any plans to disturb the presidential function. Consequently, the police behaviour reminded one of the “Salazarism” wherein the police ruled supreme with the likes of Agente Monteiro ruling the roost. It was inconceivable that peace-loving citizens would be rounded up in a democratic set up which is now earning a totalitarian title,” asserted Dr Jorson.
He said the present dispensation has now even changed the way one does the simple mathematical calculation. “In 2020, Goa has entered the 59th year of Liberation as it was in 1962 that the first birthday was celebrated and not in 1961. So, as per the normal democratic rule, Goa would celebrate the 60th birthday in 2021. Then why the new maths? It is a simple calculation - that the General Elections are slated for 2022 and the present rulers would do anything to woo the electorate with a year-round celebration that ends in 2021. Remember, it is Rs 100 crore project and it would come close to the elections, thus giving undue mileage in terms of votes,” pointed out Dr Jorson.
He said all that only reinforces the view that dictatorship is now the order of the day, come what may, just to retain power at any cost.
“The people are now advised what not to eat, what not to wear and now not to even to gather peacefully, even if it means as a matter of dissent in a rightful and dignified manner. Goa has reached the nadir of democracy something that Salazar did prior to 1961,” remarked Dr Jorson.
Dr Jorson stressed that the police action is a clear case of violation of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution and even recently validated by the Supreme Court. “To make matters worse, the police arrested Fr Bolmax and Capt Viriato for no apparent reason whatsoever as they were not involved in any protest.”
