Citizens, Business Leaders and Former Public Representatives Unite Against What They Call Political Victimisation
Cuncolim, South Goa: A new citizens’ platform, ‘Swabhimani Cuncolkar’, has been formed by prominent residents, community leaders and members of the local business community to protest what they describe as political harassment and targeted action against a local trader.
The collective was officially announced amid growing concerns over actions initiated against Irineu Coutinho, a fabrication businessman from Cuncolim who, according to members of the group, has been operating his business peacefully for several years.
Leaders of the newly formed platform allege that the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) is being used as a tool to target Mr. Coutinho because of his outspoken stance on civic and social issues affecting the constituency.
Addressing the gathering, former bureaucrat and social activist Elvis Gomes described the action against the trader as unjust and politically motivated. He alleged that the Municipal Council was acting under external pressure and called for fairness and transparency in municipal functioning.
Adding to the criticism, Dr. Jorson Fernandes questioned the state of civic development in Cuncolim. He pointed out that despite ambitious promises made over the years to transform the town “on the lines of Singapore,” residents continue to face serious environmental and pollution-related challenges.
Representing the business community, Yatin Talaulikar of the Traders Association strongly defended the trader and termed the case against Mr. Coutinho as “bogus.” He expressed concern that local entrepreneurs were being subjected to unnecessary pressure instead of receiving support to contribute to the town’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, community leader Mansoor Shaikh warned that the situation could create a dangerous precedent where individuals raising legitimate civic concerns may face retaliatory action from authorities.
Members of the Swabhimani Cuncolkar platform stated that their movement is not limited to one individual but is aimed at protecting the rights of all citizens, traders and residents who speak out on public issues. The collective has pledged to continue monitoring developments and to oppose what it considers undue political interference in local governance.
The formation of the banner has generated considerable discussion in Cuncolim, with supporters calling it a necessary step to defend democratic participation and freedom of expression at the grassroots level.
As the issue unfolds, residents are expected to closely watch the response of the Municipal Council and other authorities regarding the allegations raised by the newly formed citizens’ group.
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