Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday backed the police action against individuals displaying placards referencing activist Umar Khalid during protests in Mapusa and Panaji. The police questioned Amreen Shaikh, the head of Uzvad NGO, which had called for the demonstrations on Friday and Saturday.
Police Action Defended
Speaking to reporters in Panaji, Sawant stated that the police were merely enforcing the law and maintaining public order. He emphasised that no individual or group has the right to incite violence or disrupt communal harmony through provocative slogans or placards. The chief minister's remarks came after opposition parties criticised the questioning of Shaikh as an attack on freedom of expression.
Background of the Protests
The protests, held in Mapusa on Friday and in Panaji on Saturday, were organised by Uzvad NGO to demand justice for alleged victims of police brutality. However, the display of placards bearing the name of Umar Khalid—a former JNU student activist jailed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)—drew sharp reactions from right-wing groups. Counter-protests were also reported in both towns, with demands for strict action against those glorifying Khalid.
Amreen Shaikh Questioned
Amreen Shaikh, who leads Uzvad NGO, was called for questioning at the Mapusa police station on Sunday. According to police sources, she was asked about the organisation's funding sources and its connection to the placards. Shaikh reportedly told the media that the interrogation lasted over three hours and that she was cooperating with the authorities. She maintained that the protests were peaceful and that the placards were a symbolic expression of solidarity with prisoners of conscience.
Political Reactions
The incident has triggered a political slugfest in the coastal state. The Congress party accused the Sawant government of stifling dissent and targeting NGOs that raise human rights issues. State Congress chief Amit Patkar said, 'The BJP government is using police machinery to intimidate activists who speak against injustice.' Meanwhile, the ruling BJP defended the police action, with state spokesperson Dattaram Desai stating that the law must take its course when there are allegations of unlawful activities.
Umar Khalid in Focus
Umar Khalid, a former JNU student, has been in custody since 2020 in connection with a Delhi riots conspiracy case. His name often appears in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). The use of his name in Goa protests has reignited debates about the limits of political expression. Legal experts note that while freedom of speech is guaranteed, it can be restricted for reasons of public order under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
Next Steps
Police have not filed any formal case yet but are reviewing video footage of the protests to ascertain if any provocative statements were made. Uzvad NGO has announced a series of peaceful demonstrations in other parts of Goa in the coming weeks. The Home Department has urged all parties to maintain peace and avoid any actions that could disturb communal harmony.
As Goa witnesses these polarising protests, the Sawant government's firm stance on law enforcement indicates that any perceived challenge to public order will be met with strict action. The unfolding events will test the balance between civil liberties and security concerns in the state.
