Panaji: A day after the state government cancelled the official Shigmo parades over concerns of rising Covid-19 cases, citizens have accused the state government of adopting double standards. They questioned why a major event such as Hunar Haat, where several hundred stalls have been set up, has been allowed to go ahead.
The government’s move to permit Hunar Haat, which is being organised at Kala Academy, could lead to a further increase in Covid-19 cases in the state capital, said citizens. Panaji has the highest number of
Covid cases, with 178 people actively infected by the virus. This has prompted many to demand that all public events in the capital be cancelled.
“The government does not seem to be speaking and acting in one voice on this crucial issue, which concerns the health and well-being of the citizens,” said advocate Aires Rodrigues. “While the government has officially banned public festivals and large gatherings including Holi and Shigmo, the authorities are conveniently acting as mere spectators in selective cases.”
Chief minister Pramod Sawant, along with Union minister for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Ayush minister Shripad Naik and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar inaugurated the Hunar Haat festival for indigenous artisans and craftsmen.
Given that just a day earlier, Sawant had said that the government is concerned about the rise in Covid cases, many residents took to social media asking if the government is serious and truly concerned about taking preventive measures to curb the spread of the novel
coronavirus.
The state also imposed Section 144 in the state, restricting public celebrations and gatherings in public spaces, parks and grounds in the state.
“It is strange that on one hand, Shigmo and Holi festivities have been cancelled, while on the other, big events like Hunar Haat are being organised and officially promoted. Such events draw large crowds, throwing social distancing out of the window,” said former Panaji deputy mayor, Kabir Pinto Makhija.
While the state promptly declared certain residential complexes as micro-containment zones, the state failed to initiate similar action against the off-shore casino where 31 staff tested positive for Covid-19.
“This rank double standard by the government is a matter of concern, and only demonstrates the lack of will to take decisive measures to safeguard the lives of the people,” said Rodrigues.