Goa’s struggle for civil liberties still relevant – Vijai Sardesai

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Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai, while addressing reporters at Lohia Maidan, said, “Goa Revolution Day is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. Civil liberties were denied then to Goans while today, Chief Minister Sawant attacks dissent by saying those who criticize the government spoil image of the state.”

Sardesai evoked the Goan freedom struggle, highlighting the efforts of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Dr. Julião Menezes who started the civil disobedience movement against Salazar’s dictatorial regime. Vijai stated, “these two men were responsible for the revolution that eventually led to Goa winning its civil liberties and complete liberation from Portuguese rule. Dr. Lohia and Dr. Menezes lit the torch of freedom on June 18, 1946, at Margao, and their selfless efforts won for us the freedom and civil liberties all Goans enjoy today.”

Sardesai stated that dissent is the essence of democracy, and no one should try to suppress it. He noted that under Pramod Sawant’s watch as chief minister, women have been literally trampled underfoot, children have been arrested, and the voice of the people have been constantly dismissed or ignored. Vijai questioned the Chief Minister’s commitment to protecting civil liberties, and drew comparisons to the freedom struggle of 1946. “What has the chief minister done to ensure Goans are heard, and their civil liberties are protected?” Sardesai asked.

The GFP Chief slammed Pramod Sawant’s approach towards issues such as the CZMP hearings, the peaceful protests to protect Mollem and river Mhadei. “The chief minister has been rampantly violating human rights over these issues, and has used oppressive force to silence their voices.” Sardesai warned that “Goemkars don’t forget easily and will hold this government to account.”

Vijai Sardesai added that on this 75th anniversary of Goa Revolution Day, “our state needs to be inspired by the freedom struggle. Goans have the spirit and the will to unite and reposition Goa for our collective future full of competence and credibility.” Sardesai stated that the year 2022 marks a year for Goa’s repositioning, and we need to change the way people think and view Goa. We need to restore Goa’s credibility”.

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