MARGAO: September 21 is a very significant day in the history of not only Margao but the entire State of Goa as 129 years ago, in 1890, on this day 23 Goans were killed by the Portuguese rulers.

The municipal elections were scheduled on that day and there were allegations that the elections were rigged and people were denied their right to vote and as the murmurings increased, the Portuguese administrator directed his force to fire on the around 4,000 people gathered near Holy Spirit Church.

While 17 people died on the spot including a woman who was leaving the church and a young boy who was playing at his house garden wall. Ultimately 23 people died in the firing that lasted for 20 minutes.

The bullet marks can be seen even today at the house of Dr Slavador Alvares who has framed the marks with circular bass plaques.

This event inspired Carlos Trinidade Dias to compose a mando titled “Setembrache Ekvisaveri” and the Cidas Alms Chapel next to the old Camara building was constructed in memory of the people killed in the firing.