*Citizens of Taleigao hold candle-light vigil to protest assault on activists*
The citizens of Taleigao were joined by Goans from across the state in a candle-light vigil to express solidarity with, and condemn the brutal assaults on the social activists Aires Rodrigues and Prajal Sakardande. Around 150 citizens from villages like Benaulim, Saligao, Candolim, Anjuna, Divar, Assagao, Aldona, Colvale gathered spontaneously and filled the church square, holding candles in silent protest to express their outrage at the violation of all norms of civilized behaviour which the assault represents. Songs of justice and solidarity were sung in different languages. 'We are not afraid', 'We shall overcome', 'the struggle shall go on', 'people shall prevail' were the lyrics of the songs that rent the air. Speaking at the gathering, the organizer of the protest indicated that it was not merely a protest against the acts against Aires and Prajal, but a protest against the manner in which the state had allowed such a situation to come to pass by turning a blind eye to the human rights violations and harassments to other activists. The vigil lasted an hour, subsequent to which the citizens left lit candles at the Church square of Taleigao to represent their determination to stand firm in the face of this attempt at repression. Citizens were urged to attend the meeting be held at T. B. Cunha hall, at 4 pm 15th October 2008, to plan future course of action in the wake of this assault. s/d s/d s/d Jason Keith Fernandes Albertina Almeida Xavier Almeida ------------------------------------------------------- Read my thoughts at www.dervishnotes.blogspot.com