Team Herald
PANJIM: They came from all over, belonged to all age groups, some were fitter than others, and some appeared slightly frail, but each one of them had the will and never-ending strength of conviction to protect Goa’s heritage from the lobby of politicians and builders.
They began a hunger strike opposite the Basilica of Bom Jesus and in front of the Se Cathedral on Wednesday morning. They have been protesting the construction project, which has come up near a protected monument in Old Goa – the Largo of St Cajetan, Viceroy’s Arch, and St Cajetan Church.
The protestors also emphasised that they are adopting ‘Satyagraha’, a non-violent approach to their protests. They were referring to some calls that had been made by certain sections to take physical action against the structure and destroy it using force.
Local resident Glean Cabral said they will not withdraw the agitation until all the permissions and NOCs that were granted to the project are revoked. He also called upon the public to join their hunger strike and show solidarity with their cause of saving Goa’s heritage.
The strike saw the participation of people not just from Old Goa or surrounding areas but also from other parts of Goa.
Anthony D’Silva from Ambelim, Salcete, was one such person who joined and said that it was important to fight the project as if it gets completed, it would set a bad precedent that would threaten heritage structures across the State. Another lady said she had come to the site as a ‘Goemkar’ and to fight to protect the structure of international importance.
Ana Gracias from Chimbel pointed out that this is yet another protest that they had organised and lamented that people have to come to the street to protect Goa’s future and put pressure on the government to take the right steps.
Responding to queries from media persons about reports that the ownership of the project has changed, the local protestors said they were not aware of that and also pointed out that the work on the construction has not stopped and is instead going ahead with speed.
With the novenas in preparation for the feast of St Francis Xavier underway, the hunger strike drew the attention of the thousands of devotees who had visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus to attend masses.