Team Herald
PONDA: Marcaim villagers have threatened to hold a fast unto death if the government fails to repeal the 100-year-old Mazania (or Mahajans) Act, which they claim discriminates against the common people, latest by August 15.
According to Navdurga Prathistan Chairman Shailendra Panajikar, in a show of strength, the people will assemble at the Navdurga temple on August 21 and then proceed to Azad Maidan, Panjim, to hold a fast unto death protest.
Navdurga Prathistan is spearheading the demand for repealing the Mazania Act and demanding equal rights of worship.
Commenting on the issue that was raised by four MLAs in the Assembly, Panajikar said that the people are thankful to the MLAs for raising the issue in the House. But he lamented that despite four MLAs raising the issue, the government has not come out with a concrete solution.
On CM Parsekar’s stand that the government cannot interfere in the dispute since the same is sub-judice, Panajikar said, “That is not our demand. We are not asking the chief minister to interfere in court matter. Our demand is different and that is to repeal the Mazania Act. Repealing the Act will solve our problem.”
Stating that Mazania Act discriminates Bahujans against the Mahajans, Panajikar asked, “Why should there be discrimination when all devotees are worshipping the goddess with equal devotion?”
Claiming that the villagers are fighting for equal worship rights for the last six months, Panjikar said, “The government should not indulge in delay tactic. Why is the government so hesitant to repeal the Act made by the Portuguese for the interest of few Mahajans?” He reminded the government that “We are in liberated Goa”.
Panjikar said the villagers are frustrated with the deployment of a large police force every time there are festivals, and warned the government that it would be responsible for any untoward incidents owing to the police deployment.
