Panaji: Civic society members joined the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress protest, spearheaded by its president Joel Andrade, to condemn the violence in Manipur and seek justice for Manipur and its people at Azad Maidan on Friday evening.
Goa Youth Congress President Joel Andrade said, “The people of Manipur have been suffering for 70-plus days. Criminals have burnt churches with the support of the BJP Government, mobs have tortured women, and so much more. We expect an elaborate statement from PM Modi not just on one incident but on the 80-day violence that the government in the state and the centre has presided upon. We’re all heartbroken and stand united with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way forward.”
Vijay Bhike tore his shirt in protest while addressing the media. He said, ” If you remove a man’s clothes, one will feel shy; how much more shame will a woman feel when stripped naked? Those who are quiet on this incident, you must be ashamed. If you are at home, speak on social media. The political party that is sleeping like a social club and only does big events must wake up!”
Varad Mardolkar said,” We condemn the incident that happened in Manipur. The BJP government is insensitive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time to tour other countries but has no time to speak on the Manipur issue. BJP has failed in ‘Bethi Padhao and Bethi Bachao’. Democracy has collapsed. BJP is trying to divide the nation over caste and religion.”
Cecille Rodrigues said, “The video that started circulating two days ago has been alarming. It’s such a disappointment for all the women born and raised in our country. Today it happened in Manipur, and the Police didn’t do anything. Today it has happened in Manipur; tomorrow it can happen in Goa. Are you people going to stand and watch? It is such a sad state of affairs. Shephan Shaikh, Arvind Nanda, Reena Lopez, and Tahiya Pinto were among the many civic society people that participated in the programme.