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HEAR
IT FROM THE PEOPLE, MR CM
HEAR
IT FROM THE PEOPLE, MR CM
27 Nov, 2015, 07:17AM IST
In our edition of November 24, we had published Chief Minister
Laxmikant Parsekar’s response to the widespread condemnation and anger
expressed by the people of Goa, at the manner in which the Goa police
misbehaved with innocent peaceful protestors who had assembled in Panjim to
legitimately ask for Justice for Father Bismarque. The CM has made three
remarks which have been paraphrased a) Can I buy justice from the market B) When
you challenge the police, what can they do? Police only put protestors in a van
and took them to some other place c) There is no unanimity among people
agitating on the issue. Herald had asked readers, in the same edition “Do you
agree with the CM? Do you feel what he is saying is right?, and asked them to
email their responses. We were flooded with so many responses that we decided
to devote a full page to them. Even that hasn’t been enough. We publish below a
section of the responses, randomly selected. We assure readers that we shall
try and publish most of the remaining letters on our edit pages in subsequent
editions. We thank each of you who have written in and acknowledge that you are
all fellow foot soldiers in the fight to reclaim Goa and restore it as a land
of the freedom, equality and justice
I would like to know from the CM who is also the
home minister of Goa, how peaceful people and senior citizens can challenge the
might of his Police force with only banners and their voices? The police had to
pull and manhandle senior citizen and transport them like terrorists to police
stations to avoid a major backlash like from other peaceful citizens. Congrats
Mr Home Minister! Your police force has come of age since they were challenged
by the muscular Nigerians in Porvorim which they could not counter that they
have pounced on helpless, peaceful gatherers who came together for a prayer to
ask for justice to a son of the soil who was a bone of contention to all those
who are out to sell Goa. Why is the CM always harping about how quickly he got
the viscera report and that he has done what was demanded by the family? Does
it not go beyond these two points? Show that you at least are of a different
mantel. Pull up the higher ups who have ordered the manhandling of the peaceful
citizens gathered there with only banners, their voices, candles and not any
weapons. Or were they following your orders Sir?
Clarence Alvares, Saligao
Rise Goa …and Goans, whichever part of the world you are! You
have seen the police brutality on innocent men, women and even priests who had
assembled to offer prayers on 21 November 2015 in Panjim for the death of Fr
Bismarque Dias. This Priest worked for Hindus and Christians, as he did when
Canacona was submerged. An activist to the core, he gave up his priestly duties
as he believed his religion was humanity. This BJP government is no better than
the previous governments…grabbing poor farmer’s land through ordinance,
bringing in golf courses, more casinos, the Mopa airport, facilitating land
sharks….and the list goes on. Today, every true blooded Goans should take a
vow, in their heart of hearts, to fight for our motherland. The death of Fr
Bismarque Dias should be probed by a Special Investigative Team (SIT) under the
supervision of the Chairperson of Human Rights Commission.
Rodney Almeida, Seraulim
In response to, the Herald, 24 November, I would like voluntarily
to respond to the CM's comments linked to the death of Fr Bismarque.
Is it (justice) something that I (Mr. Parsekar) buy from market?
Parsekar questions: This appears to be his spontaneous reaction
arising out of impatience, and not a response worthy of the Chief Minister.
Such a statement is uncalled for from him and can be a cause of insult to the
entire Goan public, whom he represents. He is perfectly right in saying that
the justice is not bought from the market. Rightly, that is the reason why the
public approach him for justice as a matter of their constitutional
right.
Anil Laad, Panjim
Mr CM, the government is of the people, by the people and for the
people. The Government is formed of elected representatives elected by the
people to look after their interests and safeguard them and solve their
problems. It is formed to serve them and represent them. They are Government
servants. Is your Government looking after the interest of the people and
listen to their demands? No one can impose their views and force others
to accept their views over ruling and trampling others views under the foot
like the present Government is doing. In reference to Fr Bismarque’s death,
look around and see the hordes of people protesting. Doesn't it show that they
don't believe in the report? The people of Goa have no faith any longer
in this present government and in the Goa Police who use filthy abuses against
Goans. Remember too, "No Matter what, Truth always prevails"
Ivan Dias, by email
OH! Our dear despotic CM! Please ponder upon this; a person with a
warped mind causes trouble, but an experienced person (Fr. Bismarque) knew how
to pay it back. That’s why he has been done away with. All the statements by
our CM to the media on the death of our dynamic son of the soil, late Rev Fr
Bismarque can be characterized as frustrations of a puerile and moronic mind.
WHY? Because the CM’s outburst is lacking chemistry. Fr Bismarque, a renowned
social activist, who stood as a fortified fortress in protecting Goa’s eco
system and in safeguarding Goa’s eco heritage value and heritable property
being engulfed by land sharks. He died in harness doing his only job which was
assigned to him by his creator that is saving Goa from being plundered of its
natural beauty by money grubbers. He has left us with a legacy “Never fear,
never cow down and keep ones wits intact”. Fellow Goans armed with this
valuable armor of Fr Bismarque, let us all resolve to get justice for him. Long
live Fr Bismarque! Viva Goa!
Luis Xaverito Da Costa, Arossim
Justice will not prevail by holding candle light processions or
coming in big numbers on the streets. A detailed report needs to be submitted
to the Home Ministry for an explanation. If the home ministry fails to give a
satisfactory reply, then the matter must be taken to the judiciary level, only
then the government will come to know what people power can do in a democratic
country. If judiciary can make a minister sit in jail for 6 months, the
concerned police officers can also face similar consequences as per the law.
Secondly, the two boys are key witnesses to the murder. If they are not ready
to speak the truth, then the family of late Fr Bismarque has full rights to
demand a polygraph test on these two boys which will help to reveal the truth.
These tests are conducted in Gujarat. We Goans have lost a precious son. Goans
salute Fr Bismarque for all the good work he did without making big publicity
of his good deeds.
Maria Sequeira, Vasco
I don’t at all agree with the Chief Minister and feel that
whatever he is saying from day one of the crime is absolutely wrong. Our Herald
investigative reporters are much better than police inspectors in many ways.
Luis Carlos Roncon, St Cruz
I do not agree with the CM. At first, people used to laugh at him
and call him a "Clown". Now he is also a liar. Is he not aware that
police brutality was clearly exposed on television watched by thousands?
Shame!!
Eddie Rodrigues, by email
The CM must make sure that all Goans get justice in each and every
way. When the MLAs are asked about this topic, they do not want to say
anything. But when anyone asks them about issues related to IFFI, they are
ready to give their comments. Wake up Goans!
Joelen Alphonso, by email
I would like to know from the CM who is also the home minister of
Goa, how peaceful people and senior citizens can challenge the might of his
Police force with only banners and their voices? The police had to pull and
manhandle senior citizen and transport them like terrorists to police stations
to avoid a major backlash like from other peaceful citizens. Congrats Mr Home
Minister! Your police force has come of age since they were challenged by the
muscular Nigerians in Porvorim which they could not counter that they have
pounced on helpless, peaceful gatherers who came together for a prayer to ask
for justice to a son of the soil who was a bone of contention to all those who
are out to sell Goa. Why is the CM always harping about how quickly he got the
viscera report and that he has done what was demanded by the family? Does it
not go beyond these two points? Show that you at least are of a different
mantel. Pull up the higher ups who have ordered the manhandling of the peaceful
citizens gathered there with only banners, their voices, candles and not any
weapons. Or were they following your orders Sir?
Clarence Alvares, Saligao
I totally disagree with our so called CM's comments. The main
question is, is he really a CM? If he really is a CM who is educated, then he
would have never said that justice is something to be bought in the market.
What stupidity is this? Also the PI should be suspended for using such foul
language against people fighting out peacefully for justice. Great Job Herald
with such a good intention and standing up for the people of Goa.
Ryan Duarte, by email
Firstly, it is really surprising to hear our CM Laxmikant Parsekar
saying that no protestor was manhandled. I request our CM to please go through
the video clips presented by Prudent media on its news. Secondly, the CM says
no one should protest at IFFI, because it spoils the name of the state. The
present CM has conveniently forgotten that when they were in the opposition,
all their members along with Vishnu Wagh (then in congress), Parrikar etc were
holding protests at the same venue against the then government. Was the name of
the state not spoiled then?
Mahavir Kambli, by email
There cannot be any smoke without a fire. The Goa CM and police
must know that public anger is coming to a boil due to the delay in serving
justice to the family and supporters of Fr Bismarque who are still grieving his
untimely death and whose body has not yet been laid to rest. The men and women
holding candles and praying, many of whom were senior citizens are no threat to
anyone let alone to delegates of IFFI who are safely cuckooed in their air
conditioned theaters. Hence if this issue is blown out of proportion, the
persons responsible for it are the Goa Police and the home minister who is none
other than our CM.
Matias Lobo, Oman
The rally was a good step to get justice for Fr Bismarque. But due
to some political and unknown parties, a disturbance was caused and an
unsightly scene was created. We live in a democratic country and would like to
think we can voice our concerns and opinions. But given recent events, one
would think twice. Is this a democratic country or is it turning into a
communist one? Are our women and children safe? Not even the seniors were
spared. The men in uniform are supposed to serve and protect the common man.
But here we saw that none were spared. Right from verbally abusing to
physically assaulting the selective crowd who came to peacefully protest and
offer prayers. The common man wants answers. Was this done as per the instruction
of higher authorities? Or perhaps even political influence involved? Would this
have been kept under wraps if it was a government official? We want answers.
Now!
Kevin Miranda, by email
In my opinion, the CM is in the clear as he had already conceded
to the demands of the family of Fr Bismarque as per news reports. The police
however, need a rap to be vigilant in collecting evidence in all cases as there
have been a high number of acquittals in Goa due to a lack of sufficient
evidence or negligence in the collection of evidence. Willful negligence cannot
be excused. The outcome in cases has also known to be decided based on the
wishes of MLAs, Ministers and other influential people. Emotions are running
high and people for their part are anxious to hang someone. The truth is you
cannot hang someone until proven guilty in a court of law. I for my part have
remained silent on the issue up to now as it serves a good lesson to those who
threatened Bismarque. Their names should be publicized so that everyone in Goa
knows who they are dealing with.
Vinay Rodrigues, Margao
No, I do not agree with the CM for he is trying to fool the people
and trying to not only ignore but dilute the case. Firstly, his question 'what
justice do they want?' is a lame question. My answer is justice does not mean a
subsidy, not an incentive neither an offer nor a scheme to be offered to the
agitating people of Goa. It is indeed a routine procedure of human rights of
every citizen as per the freedom of acquiring justice as per the constitution.
Parsekar should learn the rules and then speak and should explain whether the
Panjim PI was also pre-instructed by him about justice to peaceful agitators.
It is a shame to the Goa Government that attacking peaceful agitators has not only
become local news but it was telecasted by national channels and soon through
IFFI it will become International News. I throughout, appreciate Herald for
their whole-hearted, tireless and risk bearing challenge to expose and support
the peaceful Goans at every wrongdoing by the politicians, especially the
present Govt. The CM should apologize for his rude statements. PI Mahesh
Gaonkar also needs to apologize to Sudeep Dalvi along with the Panjim PI for
behaving rudely with peaceful agitators and for using filthy language. Parsekar
is accountable for disrupting the peace of Goans.
Peter Fernandes, by email
I agree with the CM that the issue has been blown out of
proportion, but blown out of proportion for the right reasons! When two lads do
not raise an alarm that one amongst them is missing, it amounts to suspicious
behaviour and they are not questioned; this has to be blown out of proportion.
Then a vest with blood stains is found and the case is not investigated as
murder. This issue has to be blown out of proportion. When peaceful protestors
are not allowed to protest, and their fundamental rights violated with misuse
of a section imposed by colonial rulers, this has to be blown out of
proportion. When police personnel brutalize the very citizens they are supposed
to protect, this issue has to be blown out of proportion. Blown out of
proportion? Yes! Blown out of proportion for the right reasons? Yes!
Michael Nunes, Panjim
It was a peaceful protest being held and what the Goa Police did
to senior citizens and even priests is a shame, marking it as a 'Black
Saturday'. The images clearly show the assault on Sudeep Dalvi and other people
by the police. It looks like the police too have a hand on the whole racket of
Fr Bismarque's death. I clearly do not agree with the CM. Bad governance.
Natasha Fernandes,
by email
It is seriously awful for a man seated at the position of a CM to
make statements like the one he did. This only explains his inability to deal
with such issues. This is a wake up call for all Goenkars on knowing who to
elect to be our leaders. Mr Parsekar, you are wrong. A man of your stature
should not have passed comments like these if you don't have a hold on the
issue. This only explains your inability to take up calls on such issues.
Disgraceful!!
Shalane Dias, by email
The statement made by Parsekar today that the protestors called
MLAs and Ministers is an outright lie, as the people were ready to spend the
night, and that too, do a hunger strike in the Anjuna jail. GFG states that it
was a victory for the people, as for the first time in history, people arrested
for protesting against section 144 actually walked away free, as they refused
to give their names for the lack of committing a crime. In his statement today
to the press, the CM said the protestors should be concerned about the image
the people at IFFI will carry about Goa. GFG wants to ask the CM that by
brutally handling peaceful protestors, what message has he sent to the IFFI
crowd? Are you more concerned about the image of the state rather than the
demands of the people? The image that people take of Goa is of garbage strewn
about, casinos, and prostitution going. GFG demands the immediate appointment
of a SIT committee to investigate the Bismarque Dias case.
Kennedy Afonso, President, Goans for Goa
It is shame for our Goan people because of you, Mr CM. I am
working in Qatar and I met a man from Kerala, this is what he asked me, ‘Apke
Goa mei apka CM kya khel kar raha hei vo murder ke bare mei?’ Mr Parsekar the
question is not about lathi charge.... there is no need to ask for a report from
the police whether they have done it or not. Our question is why did your dogs
(police) suddenly start barking when our protestors were having a peaceful
march and wanted justice for Fr Bismarque? We Goans don't have any right to ask
for justice in our own land? Is that the way to treat our own people by
dragging them like criminals? Mr Parsekar there were some senior citizens of
your parent’s age whom your dogs were chasing like criminals. Our Goa is a
peaceful state but today just because of you and your government, you have put
us to shame.
John Fernandes,
Doha-Qatar
I definitely do not agree with the CM. Mr Parsekar, remember that
you have been elected by the people of Goa. You are a servant of the people of
Goa. You are supposed to run the Government the way people want and not the way
you want. Just want to let you know that your Government days are numbered and
one day even you will approach for justice and you will get it back even.
"Every dog has its day"
Wilander Rodrigues,
by email
Herald you guys are doing a great job, keep up the good work
forever, kudos to you all! No, Parsekar is absolutely wrong and he should learn
some basic human etiquette. He is an unprofessional individual who doesn't care
for anything other then his own vested interests. I wish Mr Parrikar was
around. He would have at least come down to the site on Saturday and
assured people that he will deliver the justice indeed. Parsekar is
really a CM (Chief Monkey) of all the khaki squad, who once couldn't even touch
the Nigerians who blocked the Porvorim highway but showed their power on
peaceful Goans. Hope that justice is delivered by dragging him off the CM
chair, because he doesn't deserve to be on it.
Prashant Sonnaik, Chorao
I don't agree with the CM and as usual he is telling lies and
fooling the people of Goa. His statement is premature. I advise him to watch TV
footage, Twitter or Facebook to know the correct fact as to what happened on 21
November 2015. Even the innocent people who were just standing were arrested by
police. Does section 144 apply even to one person?
Joaquim Teles, Panjim
Forget about lathi charge, police holding the individual's by the
collar itself speaks about violence. In fact by imposing section 144 on
protestors he has united the people against his own government. Let us not
bring religion in-between now so that we can put a united front in the next
elections.
Mario Mascarenhas, St. Inez
No. I do not think what the CM speaks is right. Forget what he
speaks (Mistake of God) or thinks, I have my doubts whether he should be the CM
in the first place.
Lester Braganza, by email
When Goan people assemble for justice, it is section 144 for Goa
police and when Nigerians goes on a rampage it is a 911 call for Goa police.
The CM's insensitive comment like can I buy justice from market is insane. Did
he buy votes from the market or online? It is the government's duty to
listen to the voice of the people even if they are in few number.
Menino Rodrigues, by email
The Chief minister is living in dreamland waiting for the second
lottery to click for him in 2017, which we will not allow.
Arnaldo D' Costa, by email
