LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reprehensible attack

Social activist Rama Kankonkar was brutally assaulted in broad daylight in Caranzalem by a group of six individuals armed with knives and wires. Eyewitnesses said the attackers fled the scene on two-wheelers immediately after the incident. This shocking brutal assault raises serious concerns about the state of law and order in Goa. Will Chief Minister Pramod Sawant still claim that the situation is under control? Kankonkar has been an outspoken critic of government policies, and this attack appears to be a disturbing attempt to silence dissent. Unfortunately, based on past incidents, many fear that justice may not be served. Often, a few suspects are detained briefly, only to be released without proper investigation, leading to growing public disillusionment with law enforcement. I stand in solidarity with Rama Kankonkar and urge the authorities to act swiftly and transparently to ensure that such an attack is not repeated in our state.

Jerry Fernandes, Saligao

Regularising illegalities

When addressing sensitive and controversial issues such as the regularisation of illegal houses—particularly on comunidade lands—it is essential that authorities act with due diligence, adhere to legal frameworks, and carefully consider the long-term consequences. It is well known that many migrant labourers, especially those engaged in low-income jobs, have built small, unauthorised houses on comunidade land. While these dwellings remain technically illegal, they now have electricity, water, and sanitation facilities, giving them an appearance of legitimacy. The state government wants to legalise these structures by charging a nominal fee and transferring ownership rights to the current occupants. While this may appear to be a humanitarian or practical move, it raises important legal and ethical concerns. A relevant comparison can be made with Church lands under the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, where small plots were leased for minimal amounts (as low as Rs 10 per month) to residents. Over time, many lessees stopped paying these dues, leading to significant loss of revenue for the Church—highlighting how legal arrangements can be undermined when not enforced properly. Given such precedents, any move to regularise illegal housing must be approached with caution, fairness, and strict adherence to law. Decisions must not only address present realities but also ensure justice and sustainability in the long term.

Stephen Dias, Dona Paula

Alert on health hazard

Kerala’s health department is on high alert following a rise in cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a deadly brain infection caused by an organism commonly known as ‘brain-eating amoeba’. PAM is a very serious infection of the central nervous system that’s almost always fatal. So far this year 61 cases have been confirmed across Kerala with 19 reported deaths. These organisms thrive in warm, stagnant, polluted and poorly treated water. The amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually during swimming or bathing in contaminated water and travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation. Warm water released from industrial processes can also create favourable conditions for the amoeba to grow. Waterbodies in Goa, including rivers, lakes, sea, and groundwater, are contaminated by industrial and urban waste, and microplastics. Goa has a climate very similar to Kerala. The contamination of waterbodies and groundwater could provide a suitable environment for the growth of the brain-eating amoeba. Due to wastewater discharged by industries our springs have become polluted. Hence Goa needs a comprehensive policy to protect all waterbodies from further pollution in order to prevent a medical emergency as witnessed in Kerala. Proper waste disposal and treatment of wastewater are crucial to reduce pollution. This could be a wake-up call for Goa.

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Lessons from Nepal

“Oli Chor, Desh Chhod”, so rang out the slogans as Gen Z protests took center stage in Nepal. The protests were attributed to Nepal government’s decision to ban social media platforms in the country; but the truth is that people had had enough of nepotism and corruption. They could see how children of politicians were enjoying a great life while the average Nepalese struggled to make ends meet, a story which is not much different in India. Sons, daughters and other close  relatives of politicians, cutting  across party lines, hold top positions. There is no end to privileges, all this while the ordinary Indian is down in the dumps. The only difference between India and Nepal is that Indian politicians have managed to divide us on the basis of religion and caste. That is why it is difficult that a revolution like the one that is taking place in Nepal is likely to happen in India, unless the youngsters prove us wrong.

Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim