Says outsiders settled in Goa should also support the cause
TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Saying that the state-level official function on Goa Revolution Day should be held at the historic Lohia Maidan at Margao, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik on Tuesday said that Goa’s land and identity will be protected only if the State was bestowed the Special status under Article 371 of the Constitution.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the Goa Revolution Day function at the Lohia Maidan, Margao, the Rajya Sabha MP said all Goans should join hands to demand special status and protect land for future generation.
“It’s welcome news that the Goa government has taken a stand for special status. This is not enough. All Goans should join hands in support of the demand. Even outsiders who have settled in the state for years now should demand special status for Goa in their own interest,” he added.
Naik sought blessings and support from the freedom fighters in their fight for special status to protect the State’s identity. “Freedom fighters made sacrifices to give us liberation. They fought against the Portuguese to drive them out. But, their work is not finished. Their blessings and support would be enough to guide Goans to achieve the demand for special status,” Naik added.
On his demand to hold the Goa Revolution Day official function at the Lohia Maidan, the Rajya Sabha MP said, “Other official functions may be held at the State’s capital, but Goa Revolution Day should be held at the Lohia Maidan from where Dr Ram Manohar Lohia gave a call to Goans to rise up and throw out the Portuguese regime.”
“Irrespective of which government is in power, the official function should be held here. There should be no politics on this issue,” he said when the media drew his attention that the official function was held in Panjim even during the Congress rule.
