There has been a huge public outcry in the state against illegal land conversion, hill-cutting, illegal land-filling, etc. A clarion call has been given to Goans to remain united against arbitrary changes in land use regulations in order to protect the identity and land of Goa. At the forefront of this mass movement have been the social activists as well as the RTI activists. RTI activists who are the backbone of activism.
If not for the efforts put in by these activists, Goa would have lost a lot of its land to real estate developers from other states, especially from Delhi. These social activists are the eyes and ears of the Goan population and are doing yeoman service for society. They are there everywhere giving a helping hand to the locals who are fighting injustice. However, taking strong objection to the recent criticism of various government initiatives and decisions, the ruling party has reportedly condemned the functioning of some activists, accusing them of acting as “extortionists” and misusing the platform for personal gains.
It seems like a move to stifle the voice of the social activists. Social activists have the confidence to fight those in power and the passion and perseverance to see victory in the face of opposition. If there is proof of social activists engaging in extortion then legal action can be taken instead of just making statements to demoralise those who take up public issues.
