Rupesh Samant

Panaji, Apr 9: Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Tuesday, April 9 wrote a formal letter to Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking relaxation in the Noise Pollution Rules during traditional religious activities.

State’s Deputy Chief Minister and GFP President Vijai Sardesai pointed out that ECI’s flying squads had disrupted activities of traditional Shigmo recently. He feared that the same should not happen for the ongoing traditional religious activities held during Lent Season observed by followers of Christian faith.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner, Sardesai has brought to the notice about the instances of flying squads stopping Shigmo festivities, in some parts of the State.

“Also, ongoing traditional religious activities have attracted action under the Noise Pollution Rules, especially after 10pm from the flying squads”, he said.

“Hence, there is apprehension that religion activities during the ongoing Lenten Season and Easter Vigil Services will also attract similar action,” he said in the letter.

“The Goa Forward Party demands that all traditional religion activities be exempted from the sound ban,” Sardesai added.

The deputy Chief Minister said that the exemption should be applicable to all religions.

“We reiterate that these activities in no way disturb or hinder the election process. Hence, they should be exempted and DEOs of North and South Goa as well as flying squads be intimidated accordingly,” he added