TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Terming the Margao Municipal Council resolution to renew the construction licence for a construction project at Costa ground as betrayal of Aquem people, residents of Aquem have resolved to launch a sustained agitation to retain the ground for posterity.
They have decided to mobilise the people of Aquem for the ensuing battle and at the same time seek legal opinion. Speakers said that Aquemkars should leave aside their political differences and stage a rasta roko in Aquem and later enforce a Margao bandh in support of the demand.
Prof Joan Rebello said the volte-face by the two councillors Sangeeta Audi and Laxmikant Kamat is treason at its ignominious worst, while Audi at various occasions cried hoarse on public platforms, the later did a U turn for the builders. She lamented that though councillor Pratima Coutinho had volunteered support for the Aquemkars on the issue, the latter supported the resolution in favour of the project.
Prof Rebello said the time has come for Aquemkars to approach the local MLA Digambar Kamat.
“When we had met him in the past, he had assured his support to the movement to retain Costa ground for recreation.
She hoped that Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar will take a holistic approach on the issue and protect the ground for the posterity.
BJP leader Navin Raikar underlined the need to launch a peaceful agitation in support of the demand by roping in architects, lawyers, engineers and mobilising the people.
Councillors Damu Shirodkar and Avinash Shirodkar vowed to support the people’s demand till the construction project is scrapped and the ground is retained for recreational purpose. Damu Korgaonkar said the people who had supported the movement in the past have backstabbed Aquemkars and warned that people of Aquem will teach them a lesson.
