Claims Abdul Karim Naik entitled to hold the post
MARGAO
The Goa unit of Dakshinayan Abhiyan has strongly condemned the attempt to inject communal poison into Goan society and polity over the election of Abdul Karim Naik as Sarpanch of Korgao village in Pernem taluka.
Addressing the media, Dakshinayan Abhiyan members Adv. Cleofato Coutinho and Mohandas Lolienkar said Abdul Karim Naik is the second-time elected panchayat member of Korgao panchayat and is entitled to be the sarpanch, being a citizen of India and a voter of Korgao village.
“Besides, Abdul Karim Naik has been a resident of the place since the time of the Kadamba rule. At least, he has been a resident of Korgao since the liberation of Goa. Dakshinayan Abhiyan asserts that it is the right of Abdul Karim Naik to stand for the post of sarpanch. He has been elected by the majority, and the entire movement by unscrupulous elements is to create an atmosphere of fear in the minds of the members of the panchayat so that a no-confidence motion is brought and he is voted out. It is indeed extremely sad that communal elements are having a free run in their endeavour to cause disturbance in panchayat politics,” Lolienkar said.
Cleofato Coutinho said the entire movement against Abdul Karim Naik is based on the fact that he happens to be a Muslim, and his religion is being used to target him and the community. It is a clear attempt to divide society along communal lines. Dakshinayan Abhiyan is shocked that the government is silent and has done nothing about the issue, he said.
He added: “The secular fabric of the state is being disturbed by communal elements for political reasons. The entire movement against Abdul Karim Naik is clearly meant to disturb the peace and create an atmosphere of mistrust. It is imperative that the Goa Police acts swiftly to deal with the menace so that this disturbance, which has started in the northern tip of Goa, does not spread to other parts.”
