Arrest is threat to free speech: Civil society

Margao: Civil society members and prominent personalities in Goa had strongly criticised the arrest of social activist Rama Kankonkar, denouncing the move as undemocratic and a threat to free speech.

Prabhav Naik of Madganvcho Awaaz launched a scathing attack on govt, drawing a contrast between the promised “Ram Rajya” and what he termed “Ravan Rajya” in Goa.

“People’s voice Rama arrested under the regime of those who claim to be establishing Ram Rajya in Goa. This is Ravan Rajya. God save Goa,” Naik said.

Former president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Anwesha Singbal, expressed deep concern over the treatment of social activists. In a direct address to chief minister Pramod Sawant on a social media platform, Singbal said, “It is disheartening to see a social activist being treated like a criminal. Decisions like these are a threat to the very existence of democracy!”

Singbal, who said she was neither affiliated with any political party nor part of the opposition, called on the chief minister to “rethink” his decision.

“If a citizen cannot speak against you in democracy, then we might as well appoint a dictator!” she said, adding that such actions would only erode public trust in govt.

Several other critics argued that such measures could intimidate common citizens and discourage public discourse on important issues.