'India's democracy, plurality of thought under threat'
MARGAO: Members of civil society have come out strongly in support of Margao-based physician Francisco Colaco.
Prabhakar Timble, former state election commissioner, while describing
Colaco as the "rarest of the rare breed in the medical field, highly
respected for his ethics", said that the threat was "to instill fear in
all those who stand for freedom, democracy, tolerance and secular
values.
"Above all, Colaco's sense of belonging and love for
Goa is unquestionable. Only people of narrow, parochial and fascist
indoctrination can target him," Timble said.
Datta Naik, real estate developer and businessman, disapproved of the threats issued to Colaco by the anonymous caller.
"Elections should be fought in the right democratic spirit. Colaco is
well known and without enemies. During the election, he may have taken a
stand, but that should be viewed in the light of democratic spirit,"
Naik told TOI.
While the act has irked the conscience-keepers
of the society, it has provided a handle to the politicians to score
brownie points.
Condemning the threats received by Colaco "who
has been consistently opposing the fascist and communal elements and
their attempts to gain foothold in Goa," independent Fatorda MLA Vijai
Sardesai said at a press conference: "We are seeing victimization of
secular individuals and the police unwillingly do their bit. It is
unfortunate that even before the results are out, the lumpen elements
associated with the ruling party are showing their true colours. Imagine
what will happen in the unlikely event of their godfather gaining power
at the Centre."
Yatish Naik, advisor, Goa Parivartan Manch,
said freedom of expression is a fundamental ingredient of a progressive
and healthy democracy. Plurality of thought must be respected because
our democracy's foundation is rooted in a system which nourishes a
healthy debate in quest of ushering the Constitutional ideals, he said.
"Any act to defeat or restrict the right of expression is undemocratic
in as much as it calls for intervention of the administration to
guarantee the triumph of the basic right. The administration is duty
bound by virtue of our Constitutional scheme and guarantee to safeguard
this right to every single individual. If the administration does not
come forward to safeguard this right, it would be regressive
governance," Naik said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Indias-democracy-plurality-of-thought-under-threat/articleshow/33835025.cms?
MARGAO: Members of civil society have come out strongly in support of Margao-based physician Francisco Colaco.
Prabhakar Timble, former state election commissioner, while describing Colaco as the "rarest of the rare breed in the medical field, highly respected for his ethics", said that the threat was "to instill fear in all those who stand for freedom, democracy, tolerance and secular values.
"Above all, Colaco's sense of belonging and love for Goa is unquestionable. Only people of narrow, parochial and fascist indoctrination can target him," Timble said.
Datta Naik, real estate developer and businessman, disapproved of the threats issued to Colaco by the anonymous caller.
"Elections should be fought in the right democratic spirit. Colaco is well known and without enemies. During the election, he may have taken a stand, but that should be viewed in the light of democratic spirit," Naik told TOI.
While the act has irked the conscience-keepers of the society, it has provided a handle to the politicians to score brownie points.
Condemning the threats received by Colaco "who has been consistently opposing the fascist and communal elements and their attempts to gain foothold in Goa," independent Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said at a press conference: "We are seeing victimization of secular individuals and the police unwillingly do their bit. It is unfortunate that even before the results are out, the lumpen elements associated with the ruling party are showing their true colours. Imagine what will happen in the unlikely event of their godfather gaining power at the Centre."
Yatish Naik, advisor, Goa Parivartan Manch, said freedom of expression is a fundamental ingredient of a progressive and healthy democracy. Plurality of thought must be respected because our democracy's foundation is rooted in a system which nourishes a healthy debate in quest of ushering the Constitutional ideals, he said. "Any act to defeat or restrict the right of expression is undemocratic in as much as it calls for intervention of the administration to guarantee the triumph of the basic right. The administration is duty bound by virtue of our Constitutional scheme and guarantee to safeguard this right to every single individual. If the administration does not come forward to safeguard this right, it would be regressive governance," Naik said.
Prabhakar Timble, former state election commissioner, while describing Colaco as the "rarest of the rare breed in the medical field, highly respected for his ethics", said that the threat was "to instill fear in all those who stand for freedom, democracy, tolerance and secular values.
"Above all, Colaco's sense of belonging and love for Goa is unquestionable. Only people of narrow, parochial and fascist indoctrination can target him," Timble said.
Datta Naik, real estate developer and businessman, disapproved of the threats issued to Colaco by the anonymous caller.
"Elections should be fought in the right democratic spirit. Colaco is well known and without enemies. During the election, he may have taken a stand, but that should be viewed in the light of democratic spirit," Naik told TOI.
While the act has irked the conscience-keepers of the society, it has provided a handle to the politicians to score brownie points.
Condemning the threats received by Colaco "who has been consistently opposing the fascist and communal elements and their attempts to gain foothold in Goa," independent Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said at a press conference: "We are seeing victimization of secular individuals and the police unwillingly do their bit. It is unfortunate that even before the results are out, the lumpen elements associated with the ruling party are showing their true colours. Imagine what will happen in the unlikely event of their godfather gaining power at the Centre."
Yatish Naik, advisor, Goa Parivartan Manch, said freedom of expression is a fundamental ingredient of a progressive and healthy democracy. Plurality of thought must be respected because our democracy's foundation is rooted in a system which nourishes a healthy debate in quest of ushering the Constitutional ideals, he said. "Any act to defeat or restrict the right of expression is undemocratic in as much as it calls for intervention of the administration to guarantee the triumph of the basic right. The administration is duty bound by virtue of our Constitutional scheme and guarantee to safeguard this right to every single individual. If the administration does not come forward to safeguard this right, it would be regressive governance," Naik said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Indias-democracy-plurality-of-thought-under-threat/articleshow/33835025.cms?
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