Under National Security Act, the order dated 6/6/21 for declaring the competent authority Is made every 3 months
The state government in Goa has stirred a controversy by its decision, which gives the South Goa collector the power to invoke the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
The directive came a day before ‘Goa Revolution Day’ and has generated outrage, with opposition parties accusing the action of suppressing the people’s voice. The administration, on the other hand, claims that the directive is normal.
Politicians were eager to respond to the news. According to opposition leader Digambar Kamat, on Goa Revolution Day, when the Congress made a call to the people of Goa to rise up against BJP misrule, the ‘terrified’ government of CM Pramod Sawant imposed the NSA in South Goa.
“After @INCGoa call to People of Goa to rise for Freedom from @BJP4Goa Misrule, frightened @GovtofGoa under @goacm @DrPramodPSawant imposes National Security Act in South Goa on Goa Revolution Day. This is an attempt to Supress Peoples Voice & create Fear among Goans. #Condemn,” he tweeted.
Following widespread criticism on social media, the chief minister’s office (CMO) released an explanation.
“This is to clarify that under National Security Act, the order dated 6/6/21 for declaring the competent authority Is made every 3 months. This is a routine order which declares the DMs as the competent authority to dispose of any proposals received under the NSA Act,” the chief minister’s office said.
It further added, “This has always been there and is not a new thing. This power is delegated by the State Government to District Magistrates or Police Chief, as the case may be, across the country.”
The Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, while responding to the opposition’s criticism, said, “There are certain politicians in the State who are well known for their ‘Fotingponn’, ones who thrive on rumours.”
“People of Goa are well acquainted by their traits to spread misinformation and to create panic,” the Goa CM said.
Earlier on Friday, Pramod Sawant targeted the Opposition, saying that some parties “with selfish interests” want to have a “political revolution” in the State.