Staff Reporter
Margao
The Shivaji Jayanti celebrations atop the hill at Sao Jose de Areal passed off peacefully on Wednesday amid heavy security. No untoward incidents were reported, despite tensions in the village leading up to the event.
A huge posse of police personnel was deployed in the morning, with Deputy Superintendent of Police Siddhanth Shirodkar and officers from Cuncolim, Margao, and Maina Curtorim police stations overseeing security.
As the day progressed, a small number of ‘Shiv Premis’ (Shivaji devotees) gathered near the statue. By noon, around 40-50
devotees paid their respects, chanting slogans for about 30 minutes before dispersing.
The police presence was gradually reduced, and by 2 pm, nearly 80 per cent of the security personnel had been withdrawn.
Meanwhile, local tenants alleged that a landowner had fraudulently obtained a no objection certificate (NoC) from them under the pretext of demarcating his land due to claims of encroachment.
They claimed that the NoC was secured on the assurance of transporting material for the demarcation and added that the name of the chief minister was misused to obtain an affidavit, which was now being exploited.
Meanwhile, at a Shivaji Jayanti function at Davorlim, Social Welfare
Minister Subhash Phal Dessai spoke about the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
He said Shivaji was a great statesman, administrator, and visionary, and added that modern society has much to learn from his leadership.
“Shivaji was a righteous king who imparted valuable lessons in politics, administration, and governance,” said Phal Dessai. He also paid tributes to King Sambhaji during the event.
