While Utt Goenkara appreciates Goa Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao's statement expressing solidarity and prayers for the allegedly injured policemen, we have expressed surprise and anguish at the Archbishop's silence on the merciless beating of Panaji Mayor Tony Rodrigues, the Monserattes and in particular the unwarranted thrashing of their 18 year old son Amit inside his house.
Who will pray for them and the other innocent by standers who were victims of the senseless rampage by the Goa police on the night of 19th February. Utt Goenkara has urged Goa Governor Mr. S.C.Jamir to intervene and resolve the crisis being faced by the State and Panaji in particular following the 19th February incidents at Panaji and the ransacking of Babush Monseratte's house at Taleigao by the Goa Police. The continued silence by Chief Minster Digambar Kamat on the issue proves that the elected government has failed and it is imperative that the Governor should exercise his constitutional powers and step in. Timely and prompt intervention by the Chief Minister could have prevented the crisis from escalating and the reluctance of the government to order a judicial inquiry into the incidents only proves that the authorities are scared that the truth will unravel. Only a judicial probe would reveal the truth and expose the human rights excesses on Feb 19th, and the Ministers at whose instance the police acted so high-handedly should not be spared. Aires Rodrigues Spokesman, Utt Goenkara
