Panaji, July 16: The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Goa Zone, has strongly condemned a recent circular issued by the Directorate of Education, Government of Goa, alleging that it contains defamatory and unsubstantiated references to the organisation.

 

In a statement, SIO objected to the circular’s description of the organisation as being “perceived to be potentially anti-social and anti-national in nature,” calling the characterisation reckless, baseless, and a violation of the principles of natural justice.

The organisation stated that SIO is a legally functioning student body with a nationwide presence and that its activities are conducted openly in educational institutions and communities. It said its work has consistently focused on educational empowerment, academic excellence, social responsibility, and democratic participation.

According to SIO, the circular undermines democratic values, academic freedom, and freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution. The organisation argued that educational institutions thrive through interaction with scholars, civil society organisations, professionals, and public intellectuals, and warned that treating every external organisation or speaker as a potential threat is detrimental to the purpose of education.

SIO has demanded that the Government of Goa and the Directorate of Education immediately withdraw the alleged defamatory references against the organisation and revoke the circular. It warned that if the demands are not met, it will initiate appropriate legal proceedings to safeguard its constitutional rights and reputation.

The statement was issued by Shaikh Aftab Hussein, State Secretary, SIO Goa Zone.