Panjim: Goencho Avaaz (GA) expressed shock over the rough treatment meted out by Valpoi Police to the villagers of Melauali who had gathered peacefully to address the media on Wednesday.
“Such undemocratic behavior by the men in uniform at the behest of the powers that be to bully the villagers into submission and instill fear deserves utmost condemnation, said GA co-convenor Capt Viriato Fernandes.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“It’s surprising that during such difficult times when the government has been tottering, fumbling and stumbling to handle the precarious medical emergency in the State due to COVID-19; it is on one hand appealing for peoples’ support and on the other hand destroying the forests, plateaus, water bodies, agricultural land, etc,” he said.
He stated that it is pertinent to note that in the last four months since the pandemic broke out, neither the Chief Minister nor his cabinet colleagues have shown the maturity and experience required to handle the difficult situation prevailing in the State.
“The only important decisions taken is to sell Goa and its land for projects like the marina, double tracking, coal expansion, etc,” Fernandes said.
Further, GA pointed out that the land to construct an IIT in Melauali is rich in biodiversity, cashew plantations, agricultural fields, and has two Devasthans of great reverence to the villagers.
“It is a great irony that the Forest Act that was brought in by the then CM Pratapsingh Rane, is now being trampled upon by the present MLA of Valpoi and his son Vishwajit Rane,” Fernandes alleged.
“Disregarding the importance of the plateau, the forest, the rich biodiversity, the flora and fauna, the government is trying to destroy the villages around the plateau and the very livelihood of the people in the name of development,” Fernandes added.
GA assured the people of Sattari that no stone will be left unturned to stop this planned destruction and that all measures will be explored to support the villagers in their just fight.
