Panaji: The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Adivasi youth leader Rama Kankonkar in Goa on September 18, describing it as a dangerous escalation of violence against activists who challenge land mafias, casino interests and unsustainable development projects in the state.
According to NAPM, six men assaulted Kankonkar near Caranzalem’s Children’s Park, smeared his face with cow dung, and filmed the act to humiliate him publicly. The organisation called the assault “physically brutal and symbolically degrading,” meant to intimidate those opposing destructive projects. Eight accused have been arrested, but activists allege that politically powerful masterminds remain untouched.
Rama Kankonkar has been a prominent voice against the CAA-NPR-NRC, double-tracking of railways, and large-scale corporate land grabs in Goa. As a member of the Scheduled Tribe community, he has also campaigned for Adivasi rights and legislative reservation.
NAPM extended solidarity to Kankonkar, activist Swapnesh Sherlekar, and the people of Goa, demanding: A principled investigation to establish command responsibility. Protection for activists and enforcement of the SC & ST (PoA) Act, 1989. Full medical care and exemplary compensation for Kankonkar. A review of Goa’s unsustainable development model, allegedly driven by land mafias, mining lobbies and casino interests.
Over the past 10 days, Goa has witnessed public protests, vigils, and meetings demanding accountability. Civil society groups say the attack highlights the growing threats faced by those defending land, environment, and identity rights in the state.
