GOA SLIPPING INTO GUNDARAJ; CHIEF MINISTER HAS FAILED TO PROTECT PEOPLE: DR. PRATIKSHA

GOA SLIPPING INTO GUNDARAJ; CHIEF MINISTER HAS FAILED TO PROTECT PEOPLE: DR. PRATIKSHA

PANAJI: Goa is witnessing a disturbing deterioration in law and order, with incidents of drug-related crime, murders, sexual assaults, violent fights, stabbings and killings being reported with increasing regularity. Recent incidents of open firing have added another frightening dimension to the situation.

As Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress President, I strongly condemn the deteriorating law-and-order situation. Goans, particularly women, children and senior citizens, deserve to feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods and streets. Today, that sense of security is rapidly disappearing.

“Goans are no longer asking for assurances after every crime; they are demanding to know what the government is doing to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place. The Chief Minister holds the Home portfolio and must take responsibility for this alarming deterioration in law and order,” said Dr. Pratiksha Narulkar Khalap, President, Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress.

After every serious crime, the government assures people that “strict action will be taken”. But action after a crime is not enough. The government must strengthen policing, dismantle criminal networks and adopt an effective strategy to prevent crime.

The alleged drug racket operating from Colvale Central Jail is particularly serious and raises questions about the government’s ability to control the drug menace.

“If drugs can allegedly find their way into a high-security facility like Colvale Central Jail, it raises serious questions about the government’s ability to control the drug menace across Goa. The people deserve answers, not another promise of ‘strict action’,” she said.

The government cannot continue treating every incident as an isolated case. The worsening situation raises serious questions about governance, policing, accountability and preventive action.

Goa has always been known for its peaceful communities and welcoming people. We cannot allow violence, drugs and criminal activities to become normalised. Women should not have to fear for their safety, parents should not have to worry about their children, and senior citizens should not feel vulnerable in their own neighbourhoods.

“Women, children, senior citizens and ordinary citizens have the right to live without fear. The government cannot remain reactive while Goa slips into a state of lawlessness. If the Chief Minister cannot guarantee the safety and security of Goans, he must accept responsibility and step down,” Dr. Khalap said.

The people of Goa deserve a government that is proactive, not reactive; one that prevents crime rather than merely announcing action after every incident.