SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: Tension rent the air at Bokadbag-Ramnathi in Bandora on Wednesday after locals under banner of Bokadbag Dahajan Sangarsh Samithi protested the entry of around 15 Sanatan Sanstha members to the hilly residential area. The tension prompted the Ponda Police to rush to site to control the situation.
Later, the locals marched to the police station to protest any activity by Sanatan Sanstha in their area which has a crematorium and a temple. The locals strongly opposed the settlement of people from outside the State by destroying hills in the village by cutting trees to create residential plots.
As the Sanatan members claimed to have come to pay visit to a deity, the locals rejected their claims and said they will not allow entry of Sanatan members and foil any attempt to develop the area by cutting trees, hills or any activity by the Sanstha in their area which has bagayat and kulagars as ST and OBC members earn livelihood from the same.
They alleged that though the land owner is trying to sell the land, there are several houses, bagayats cultivated by STs since ages.
Saurab Lotlikar, a local said, “I will discuss the issue with Chief Minister and BJP leaders. The locals are residing here since ages. However, locals are furious as a lady tried to purchase the disputed land from the landlord. The locals have houses and bagayats in the area.”
Another local Shivram Bandodkar said they had already approached ST Commission which has ordered a ban on the entry of strangers till the issue is decided.
He said, “Despite this, some people have entered and disturbed the peace in the area. The hilly area with residential houses is a No Development Zone. The villagers have submitted memorandums to the Bandora Panchayat and to TCP as well. The issue is disputed since 2018 and complaints in this regard have been filed at police stations and with various authorities.”
The locals said they would not allow the entry of Sanatan Sanstha members and vowed to fight for their land at any cost. The locals left the police station after Ponda PI Mohan Gaude heard both the parties and assured that peace would be maintained in the area.
It is pertinent to note that the matter sub judice and the locals have been waging a battle since past two years against sale deed of one lakh square metres of village land where they are residing and earning their livelihood.
