Daijiworld Media Network - Cuncolim

Cuncolim, Feb 7: The deteriorating condition of the Cuncolim Freedom Fighters’ Memorial near the bus stand has triggered strong public outrage, with citizens terming the neglect of the historic site as unacceptable and disrespectful.

Expressing anguish, local resident Vijay Prabhu said the wall of the Freedom Fighters’ Memorial — a symbol of sacrifice, courage and proud history — has been defaced with unknown markings and left unattended for over a week.

“Where is the Cuncolim Municipal Council? Where is the local MLA and the Leader of Opposition?” Prabhu questioned, adding that either the authorities are unaware of the situation, reflecting “sheer incompetence,” or are deliberately ignoring it, which he said is even worse.

He said the memorial represents the blood and sacrifice of freedom fighters and allowing it to remain vandalised and neglected amounts to “disrespect, discrimination and betrayal of their legacy.” For the people of Cuncolim, he added, the memorial is not merely a structure but a sacred place, and its neglect has deeply hurt public sentiments.

Prabhu has demanded that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant immediately take cognisance of the issue, direct authorities to remove the defacement without delay, investigate those responsible and fix accountability on officials who failed to act.

“If a Freedom Fighters’ Memorial can be ignored for days, one must ask whether the sacrifices of our martyrs matter to those in power anymore,” he said.