VASCO
Amid rising tension over the proposed removal of the Shivaji statue at Headland Sada in Vasco, the administration has clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, enforcing a series of stringent restrictions to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The restrictions came into force immediately on Thursday and will remain in operation for 30 days.
As per the order issued on Thursday by Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mormugao, Prataprao Gaunkar, the move follows directions of the Bombay High Court at Goa dated April 7, directing authorities to maintain public order and facilitate implementation of its directives at the site.
Reports from police authorities and deliberations held during the law and order meeting on April 13 flagged a strong likelihood of large-scale mobilisation.
The Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Vasco in a report on Thursday stated that nearly 1,000 to 1,500 persons could assemble at Headland Sada to oppose the dismantling of the statue, potentially leading to road blockades, unlawful assembly, and serious disturbance to public peace.
A site inspection by the Mamlatdar on Thursday further noted that persons had already gathered, performed rituals, and raised slogans, indicating an escalating situation.
The order imposes a blanket ban on any assembly of five or more persons within a 50-metre radius of the notified property at Headland Sada Junction, irrespective of purpose. All forms of public mobilisation, including processions, rallies, dharnas, protests, demonstrations, and sloganeering, have been strictly prohibited within the area.
Authorities have also enforced a complete prohibition on provocative acts. This includes delivering speeches, raising slogans, or engaging in any activity that may incite unrest, disturb public tranquillity, or trigger confrontation.
Entry into the notified zone has been tightly regulated, allowing only government officials, Mormugao Port Authority personnel, police, law enforcement agencies, and individuals specifically authorised for official duties.
Police have been directed to deploy adequate force, including reserve units, maintain continuous surveillance, conduct regular patrolling, and establish nakas and checkpoints to regulate movement. Instructions also mandate videography and recording of operations, along with preventive action, including detention of individuals attempting to violate the order.
The order warns that any violation will invite prosecution under relevant provisions of law, including Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, along with other applicable statutes.
