Panaji: The Congress party on Monday said the BJP-led govt was trying to intimidate students by sending Goa police personnel to confront 16-year-old students who were peacefully raising their voices in support of their teachers in Borda, Margao. Students at the PM Shri Govt Multipurpose Higher Secondary School launched a class boycott and protest following the sudden transfer of their teachers due to promotions.State Congress president Girish Chodankar said the incident reflected the growing disconnect between the Sawant govt and Goa’s young generation.“These children are not protesting the govt. They are asking a simple and genuine question: Why are their teachers being transferred when examinations are approaching? Instead of listening to the students and addressing their concerns, govt has chosen to respond with police presence. What kind of sensitivity is this?” Chodankar said.The Congress party said that as the home minister, Sawant had failed to provide Goans a sense of security amid growing concerns over drugs, crime and shootings, while as the education minister, he had failed to protect the academic interests of students.“Gen Z is speaking. Gen Alpha is questioning. But the Sawant govt simply refuses to listen. Students who are worried about their education and want their teachers during a crucial academic period cannot be treated as a law-and-order problem,” Chodankar said.Chodankar said that instead of confronting students, govt must engage with them and have a dialogue.“Students asking for their teachers do not need police. Govt must explain the reason behind these transfers and ensure that students’ education is not disrupted, particularly when examinations are approaching,” Chodankar said.
