CLINTON D’SOUZA
Clinton@herald-goa.com
VELSAO: Expressing outrage over the summons sent to four activists, accused of damaging an earthmover and for allegedly stoning railway workers, leaders and villagers of Velsao opposing the laying of the second railway track by South Western Railway (SWR) have termed the FIRs as false and an attempt to frighten them and other people from staging protests.
The Railways is usurping private property and has no documents. People are fighting to save their own property, to protect their lives and those of the future generations, the locals told O Heraldo.
They said, “Several people out of fear might not talk now. But at the right time, we will show what we can do as we are united and our fight will continue.”
On Wednesday, O Heraldo walked the talk to get the reactions of leaders and villagers after the Vasco Railway Police sent summons to Olencio Simoes, Orville Dourado, Camilo D’Souza and Francis Braganza.
Four activists, accused of damaging JCB and for allegedly stoning railway workers have received massive support from the locals as the people say they are fighting to save their property and houses from sheer destruction and Railways have no papers to show ownership of the property.
O Heraldo also met several people at the houses, who are facing problems due to the double tracking works.
A senior citizen from Majorda said she has been affected on account of noise and dust pollution and vibrations due the frequent movement of the trains.
“It is shocking that they (authorities) are just issuing arrest warrants against those who are fighting to protect the State. I know today if I speak directly they will issue the same against me,” she feared
At present four activists have been issued warrants.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Angelo Rodrigues of Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) said in all 10 persons have been issued warrants.
“I condemn these arrest warrants and the FIRs registered are false. Why only four warrants have been issued, how did you get their names? There were several people from the villages, only the four well-known activists have been issued warrants. The police have not mentioned the names and addresses of 10 others, who have been issued arrest warrants. There were hundreds of people who protested that day,” he said.
“Does the RVNL, which is carrying out the works, have all permissions? In the past we had filed several complaints about the illegal works carried out at several places but the police never took action against them (RVNL) but today they have issued “false” warrants against those, who are trying to protect the heritage and the state of Goa,” Rodrigues charged.
“Today, they (RVNL) are being protected for destroying our peace, while we, people are being tortured. If the RVNL continues with the work the entire village will be flooded during monsoon and we don’t have not proper connectivity too,” he added.
Former Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha said, “It’s a shame that the people, who are fighting and raising their voice to protect the villages, have been issued warrants. Today, we, the people of South Goa living near the tracks are suffering. Coal dust pollution has affected the villagers’ health and now the Government has decided to lay the second track and is taking the private land for the same without taking the concerned owners into confidence. Is this democracy? Is our government a democratic government? Is this not dictatorship? Can they do whatever they want?”
“These summons and warrants have been issued only to frighten the people and keep them indoors, not to make them fight for their rights. But this won’t work as truth will prevail and our fight will go on. We are not fighting against the government, but are battling to protect our lives, homes, future generations and the environment,” she added.
Recently, locals had gathered near the heritage St Lawrence Chapel for nearly a week to oppose the double tracking and other related works, such as the proposed underpass subway, as they feared it would lead to the flooding of the village during monsoon.
The locals asserted that they want their issues addressed as they are the ones who will suffer the consequences. The locals said they have been repeatedly warned that police cases will be lodged against them for their dissent.