MARGAO
A delegation of Areal villagers led by Velim MLA Cruz Silva made a plea to the South Goa district Collector, Asvin Chandru to take immediate action to provide necessary security measures at the site of the Shivaji Maharaj statue installed in the village.
He specifically requested the deployment of security personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras to ensure the safety and protection of the statue and its surroundings.
Accompanied by Areal panchayat members, the MLA submitted a memorandum to the Collector, stating that the preservation of peace and harmony in the village is paramount, and it is crucial that proactive steps are taken to prevent any untoward incidents. “It is essential that the local residents feel safe and secure, and that any potential threat to the statue is mitigated effectively,” he said.
Expressing hope that the Collector will give utmost priority and take swift action to address the security concerns surrounding the newly installed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Silva said, “Your intervention in this regard is crucial in maintaining the tranquility and harmony in the village and to prevent any potential security threats.”
The memorandum stated that the location of the statue is a matter of concern as it is situated in a remote area without access to electricity facilities, making it susceptible to security threats. “I am deeply troubled by recent reports in the media by Viraj Desai, who has allegedly issued threats to the local residents of the village, warning of consequences if any attempts are made to damage the statue. This has understandably caused apprehension among the villagers and has the potential to escalate into a more serious and volatile situation,” he said.
He added: “Unfortunately, we have witnessed similar incidents in Goa where religious structures have been targeted and damaged, leading to communal tension and unrest. As the elected representative of this constituency, I am highly concerned about the potential for communal tension and the safety of the statue and the peace of the village as a whole.”
