‘Mega protest’ to be held today in city
Panaji: Angered by the government turning a blind eye to the ultimatum given on the withdrawal of Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, Opposition MLAs, activists and protesting people on Sunday called for a ‘mega protest’ at the Azad Maidan in Panaji on Monday.
The move came during a protest held on Sunday at Azad Maidan, where St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar has been on an indefinite hunger strike since Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of Section 39A which allows change in land-use zones or land conversions from natural cover to settlement.
On Sunday several people, including all the Opposition MLAs, came to the Azad Maidan showing solidarity with Borkar in his fight against the controversial provision.
Opposition leader Yuri Alemao said this is a people’s movement which has been started by Borkar.
“We are not here for a violent protest. We had given an ultimatum (on Sunday). I think Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other minister are ‘sleeping’. I appeal to everyone to assemble at Azad Maidan Panaji on Monday at 4 pm demanding scrapping of Section 39A of the TCP Act. People are supreme and we need to show them (government) people’s power. The government only understands this language,” Alemao said.
The Opposition leader alleged that the government’s ‘dadagiri’ and harassment has been increasing every passing day, adding that they will raise their voice for Borkar and for Goa in the forthcoming Assembly session.
On Saturday Borkar was manhandled by the police, while being forcibly taken out of the TCP office located in a building at Patto, Panaji. Following which, he decided to go on an indefinite hunger strike.
On Friday several people from Siridao and other areas along with Borkar had protested at the TCP office demanding that the Chief Town Planner immediately revoke the proposal granting settlement status to the steep slopes in Siridao and withdraw the notification issued under Section 39A.
Earlier on Sunday, members from the Opposition as well as activists and villagers raised concerns over the manhandling of the MLA by the police.
A call was also given for Goa bandh as no action has been taken against the erring police personnel.
Concerns were also raised over the health of Borkar. People were urged not to get distracted from the real issues, especially pertaining to land, during the 2027 Assembly elections.
People were also exhorted to vote and elect those who would safeguard Goa.
Reacting to the concerns, Borkar said, “This is to save Goa…the fight is for Goa. We have been demanding to scrap the land use change. If I don’t stand by the people and don’t raise the issue then what is the use of me being an MLA?”
He said, “I will continue the hunger strike till the demand is fulfilled.”
Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai said, “Despite the political differences between me and RGP, I came here to support Borkar. We need to stay united. The government needs to take action against the police personnel for manhandling Borkar failing which I will give a call for Goa bandh”.
Raising concerns over Borkar’s health, Sardesai said, “This Government is insensitive. They won’t bother even if he (Borkar) dies.”
Velim legislator Cruz Silva urged the people to remain united so as to vote the government out.
Addressing the people attending the protest, Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira asked, “What was the fault of the MLA? He went to fight for the people. There was no order but the police dragged him out of the building. If they are treating an MLA in this manner, then what will be the plight of a common man?”
Social activist Dr Oscar Rebello exhorted the people not to allow the land issue to take a back seat during the Assembly elections.
“In 2027 keep a watch. We need to find out who will save and protect our lands…such people need to be elected,” Rebello reckoned.
“It will be shame if you don’t reelect Borkar from St Andre constituency in 2027,” Dr Rebello said.
Fr Albano Fernandes said that he came to the Azad Maidan not as a Catholic priest but as a Goan, in support of the St Andre MLA.
“People (in power) have forgotten that they were chosen to serve but they think they were chosen to rule. I hope Goans will awake. During the 2027 elections we need to show them…they think they are unstoppable. They need to be shown that they can be shaken,” Fr Fernandes said.
Pushing for an alliance of political parties so as to defeat BJP in 2027, Revolutionary Goans Party president Manoj Parab urged AAP and Congress leaders to take up the matter.
Parab said, “…It is the question of survival of Goans. I appeal to the leaders of AAP and the Congress…talk to you party leaderships on alliance. We want to protect our Goa.”
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said they will make sure that a political alliance emerges for the assembly elections, in the interest of Goa.
He also claimed that 9 lakh square metre of land has been converted under Section 39A, which must be reverted to its original status.
“The police personnel who manhandled Borkar need to be dismissed from service. If they are not dismissed then we won’t hesitate to bring entire Goa to a standstill (Goa bandh),” Viegas said.
