the goan I network
VALPOI
Expressing concern over declaring the junction as hyper sensitive area, the locals said there wasn't a single incident in the area since February after installation of the Shivaji statue in the area.
It may be recalled that on February 17, the Shivjayanti Utsav committee had installed the Shivaji statue at Hathwada junction, but tense situation prevailed after a group of people tore a Shivjayanti Utsav committee banner. As the police failed to take action in the matter, the crowd moved to the junction and installed the statue late night on February 17. Since then, a policeman has been deployed at the junction.
Speaking to The Goan, Shivpremi Association president Vishwaraj Sawant condemned the decision and said it was a "ridiculous" step taken by by authorities when not even one incident took place in the area since February.
"If this area is really hyper sensitive, then why authorities did not take this step earlier? Police is guarding the statue for the last couple of months and no incident took place. This will definitely give bad image regarding Sattari taluka," said Sawant.
Social activist and Shivpremi, Vijay Naik also condemned the decision. This may be the first hyper sensitive case in the history of Sattari taluka, which the authorities have created themselves.
"This junction is also known as a popular bus stop for the passengers travelling all over the State. As per Section 144, more than five people cannot gather at one place within a radius of 15 metres from the statue. This bus stop is hardly 10 metres away from the statue and it will create problem for the passengers. The government should come out with a clear picture and passengers should not be affected," said Naik.
Social activist Gauresh Gawas said the area is definitely not a hyper sensitive area. "Authorities are trying to create this area as hyper sensitive and they will not succeed."
When contacted, Bicholim Dy Collector Harish Adkonkar said the issue will be discussed with the authorities.
Section 144 at Hathwada junction at Valpoi flayed
The Shivpremi Association and other concerned persons have condemned the decision of the authorities to declare the Hathwada junction near Shivaji statue as hyper sensitive area and impose Section 144 in the area.
