PANJIM: The state government has come in for strong criticism from a group of freedom fighters that has been shocked by the administration’s decision to allow the sale of alcohol at the precincts of the historic jail complex at Fort Aguada, Sinquerim, which has been converted into a museum.
The freedom fighters, under the umbrella of the All Goa Freedom Fighters’ Association, have threatened to organise a satyagraha if the mobile liquor outlet, which they say has vitiated the sanctity of the site, is not removed immediately.
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The officiating president of the Association, PrabhakarNaik, said that although the government has handed over the maintenance of the revamped jail complex to a private agency, “we will oppose, tooth and nail, the sale of alcohol in the precincts of Fort Aguada, where freedom fighters fought for the Liberation of Goa and soldiers even laid down their lives for the cause”.
Irate over the development, the association’s secretaryGurudasKunde said, “It is shameful that the government is allowing a private agency to use the fort as its fiefdom. A few freedom fighters and I will visit Fort Aguada and will acquaint ourselves with the situation. If we find a private agency selling alcohol, we will oppose it and even stage a satyagraha there.”
The government, which had rented out a portion of the renovated complex to the private agency for operating a restaurant, has now allowed it to serve liquor too.
“It has come to our notice that permission to sell alcohol at the Fort Aguada complex has been given to the private agency maintaining the site. We will oppose this and will not allow it. There is a freedom fighters’ gallery there. The government cannot give it lock, stock and barrel to a private agency,” association treasurer Rohidas ‘Dad’ Dessai said.
When contacted, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said, “We have not allowed anything that will disturb the sanctity of the museum and jail areas. The whole place has been done up to showcase the sacrifices of freedom fighters of Goa for which the jail and the museum has been kept away from the normal amenities areas. The courtyard has been demarcated for food court and allied services.”
Khaunte further informed that “when G20 Summit delegates from across the world visit there, the sanctity of the area will be kept intact”. The idea is to treat the guests well while having a revenue model, which can be used to maintain the place.
It may be recalled that the then Ports Minister Michael Lobo had opposed the government’s decision to hand over the renovated Fort Aguada jail to a private agency and had alleged corruption in the proposal.
