PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party Goa on Sunday condemned in the strongest terms the suppression of civil society protests against the rise of crimes against women in Goa.
Citizens and youth of Goa had planned a silent candle march at Miramar circle on Sunday at 6:30 pm but this protest was prohibited and suppressed at the behest of Pramod Sawant, AAP said in a press note issued here.
Citizens asked why this alacrity was not shown in protecting the lives of women, it added.
To add insult to injury the BJP and Sawant permitted their partners the Congress to take out a rally but denied the same to Goa’s civic society and youth. This doublespeak is not surprising considering that Congress did not rebuke the CM for his statements in the Assembly, the AAP chided.
“The fact is that the week saw three rape victims in the state. Many are outraged at the lack of concrete action taken to reassure women of their safety and also by the Chief Minister’s statements pinning the blame of the rape on victims and their families instead of condemning the rapists,” it said.
Goans feel that instead of wasting energy targeting those condemning the incident, the government could support the victims of the rapes and ensure justice is met. Without stern steps the perpetrators of such crimes will only be emboldened further, the party stated.
AAP Goa Convenor Rahul Mhambre said, “Enough is enough. Instead of stopping protests, it is time that Sawant began outlining what concrete steps he will take to prevent a repeat, what concrete steps he will take to help the victims and their families and if he cannot even do that he must resign.”
