VASCO: The All Goa Banjara Maha Sangh (AGBMS) has condemned the demolition of the Sri Sevalal temple, which was amongst the 157 structures razed at Baina beach on September 26.
The demolition of the religious structure has led to resentment amongst the 3.5 lakh Banjaras residing in Goa, while the All-India Banjara leaders have also expressed dissatisfaction over the same.
“The Sri Sevalal temple, built around 40 years ago, was the first Banjara temple in Goa. By demolishing it, the government has hurt the sentiments of Banjaras across the country. We condemn the demolition of the temple and demand that the government provide us land on humanitarian grounds to rebuild it,” said Anand Angadi, AGBMS leader.
Another Banjara leader Suresh Rajput stated, “The Banjaras affected by the demolition have not been rehabilitated by the government. They are forced to stay in rented houses or have migrated to other States. The Sevalal temple reunites Banjara families during festive seasons, and so the government should look into the matter.”
Banjara leader Ganesh Lamani stated that the demolition was a “call for the Banjara community to unite”. He also urged the chief minister and local MLA to “restore the faith in the government by helping the Banjara community”.
Mapusa Banjara leader Yamanappa Rathod stated that the demolition of the temple “will have an adverse impact on the government, and if not tackled properly, will lead to disharmony amongst the society.”
He continued, “The government should consider our proposal to rebuild the temple. AGBMS requests the chief minister and local MLA to at least provide us alternate land to reconstruct our temple and restore glory to the Banjara community.
