In a swift action on Thursday, police in Margao abruptly terminated a hunger strike just minutes after it commenced. The authorities cited the absence of official permission for the protest as the primary reason for their intervention.
Protester Detained After Refusing to Vacate
The individual at the centre of the event was Kadar Shah, a resident of Margao. Shah had begun his hunger strike near a local mosque but was quickly confronted by police officers who instructed him to leave the premises. Upon his refusal to obey the order to vacate, the police physically removed him from the protest site. He was subsequently placed inside a police vehicle and taken away from the location.
Core Allegations Behind the Protest
The protest was not a random act but stemmed from serious allegations regarding the administration of the Arab Saab Sunni Jamia Masjid in Malbhat, Margao. In a formal letter submitted to the South Goa Superintendent of Police on January 2, Shah had sought permission for what he described as a "peaceful hunger march protest" to be held at the mosque premises.
His grievances were detailed in the letter. Shah raised concerns about what he termed the "alleged illegal functioning of the present Jamia Masjid Committee". He further claimed that individuals "from Moti Dongor with criminal backgrounds" were meddling in the mosque's management. This interference, according to Shah, was causing significant "unrest, insecurity, and dissatisfaction among local worshippers and residents".
An additional point of contention was his demand for answers from the authorities. Shah questioned why his several written complaints had failed to elicit any response or corrective action.
Political Proximity and Police Justification
It is noteworthy that the protest was staged mere meters away from the residence of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. This detail adds a layer of political context, as Moti Dongor, the area from which the alleged interferers hail, is considered a significant vote bank for Kamat.
The police have defended their decisive action. In their official statement, they justified the intervention on two grounds. Firstly, they stated that Shah did not obtain the necessary approvals required to conduct a hunger strike. Secondly, they expressed concern that the gathering, even of one person, could have potentially led to a law and order issue in the area, necessitating pre-emptive action.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the management of the local mosque and raises questions about the space for peaceful protest versus regulatory permissions in the region.
