SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Exactly 131 years ago, on September 21, in 1890, 23 Goans were killed by the Portuguese rulers. Hence, this historic event is observed as an important day in the history of not only Margao but the entire State. Eminent residents of Margao have urged the government to include this historic event in the academic syllabus to make the children aware of the history.
Speaking to Herald, Margao Municipal Council chairperson Lyndon Pereira expressed his desire to initiate a programme from the coming year to commemorate the historic event. An eminent personality from the medical fraternity Dr Francisco Colaco urged the government to include such historic events in the academic syllabus.
It may be recalled that 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. As the murmurings increased, the Portuguese administrator directed his force to fire on the around 4,000 people gathered near the 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's garden wall. Ultimately, 23 people were killed in the firing which lasted for 20 minutes.
"The bullet marks can be seen even today at the house of Dr Salvador Alvares who has framed the marks with circular bass plaques", said Dr Colaco.
This historic event inspired Carlos Trinidade Dias to compose a mando “Setembrache Ekvisaveri” and the Cidas Alms Chapel next to the old Camara building was constructed in memory of those killed in the firing. Besides, CinnamonTeal Publishing had documented the events of the September 21, 1890 titled 'Massacre in Margao: A Graphic History of the Revolt of September 1890 in Margao'.
Dr Colaco said such days are very important in the history of Goa, and need to be remembered.
"In the municipal election of 1890, two parties contested elections. Partido Ultramarino was supported by the Governor. Partido Indiano was set up by Jose Inacio de Loyola. Both were rivals. The Governor wanted his candidate, Brandao (a Portuguese) to win the elections. Hence, the authorities were rigging the election in the Governor's favour", he said referring to the history.
He said on the day of Margao massacre, fresh elections were to be held on September 21, 1890. Partido Indiano fielded the same candidates. Members of the same party began to protest gross irregularities in the voting process. They gathered in the vicinity of Holy Spirit Church, Margao. The army was called to calm things down. By the time the army arrived, the protesters had already calmed down.
"Yes, September 21 is considered as one of the historic events in Goa, wherein 23 persons lost their lives. We need to remember this day by organising the programme. We will surely initiate a programme in the near future to mark the day, so that children and the youth know the historic day’s importance ", said Lyndon.
