Cuncolim, Goa:
A group of prominent citizens, community leaders, and business representatives have come together under the banner “Swabhimani Cuncolkar” to protest what they describe as the alleged political harassment and victimization of local trader and businessman Irineu Coutinho.
Addressing a gathering in Cuncolim, members of the newly formed collective alleged that the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) is being used as a tool to target Mr. Coutinho, who has been operating a fabrication business in the town for several years.
According to the group, the action against Mr. Coutinho is not based on genuine regulatory concerns but is allegedly linked to his vocal stance on various civic and social issues affecting the constituency.
Former bureaucrat and social activist Elvis Gomes alleged that the Municipal Council’s actions amount to unjust harassment carried out under external political pressure. He expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of local institutions against citizens who raise their voices on public issues.
Speaking on the broader condition of the town, Dr. Jorson Fernandes criticized what he termed the gap between political promises and actual development. He pointed out that despite ambitious assurances in the past to transform Cuncolim “on the lines of Singapore,” the town continues to face serious environmental and pollution-related challenges.
Representing the local business community, Yatin Talaulikar of the Traders Association strongly defended Mr. Coutinho, describing the case against him as “bogus.” He criticized what he said was the Council’s willingness to act against local entrepreneurs instead of creating a supportive atmosphere for businesses and employment generation.
Community leader Mansoor Shaikh echoed similar concerns, warning that a troubling trend appears to be emerging where individuals who raise civic concerns allegedly face retaliatory action from authorities.
Members of the Swabhimani Cuncolkar collective stated that the issue extends beyond one individual and touches upon larger questions of democratic participation, freedom of expression, and the treatment of citizens who actively engage in public affairs.
The group has vowed to continue its campaign and resist what it calls any further victimization of local residents, traders, and activists. Leaders of the movement stated that they would remain united in opposing what they perceive as undesirable political interference in local governance and municipal affairs.
The Cuncolim Municipal Council had not issued any response to the allegations at the time of publication.
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