MARGAO: The Association of Componentes of Comunidades has decided to approach the court if the government processes their plan of regularising illegal structures in comunidade lands. The members of the various comunidades claim that the intention of Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho is only a bluff to extract electoral benefit of vote banks.
At a press briefing, ACC said the Panchayat Minister should be careful whilst talking about comunidades. Venzy Viegas, ACC Executive Member said, “He must understand that most panchayats are functioning in comunidade villages. Such loose talk on legalising illegal encroachments only induces and emboldens encroachers with the hope of eventual legalization. Such hope is misplaced and should never be encouraged. The CM must castigate such statements.”
Luel Fernandes from Comunidade of Chandor added, “They have no powers to interfere with the comunidade. The land and revenue code cannot be constituted on the basis of fraudulent documents. When you legalise something that is illegal, it reinforces the citizens to get involved into the encroachment of lands of the gaunkars and comunidades. There is no piece of land left for the villagers to cultivate and feed themselves as the government has established the tenant name column in form and 1 and 14 and has given the land in perpetuity to the people.”
Tiago D’silva from Cavorim panchayat said, “Illegal constructions have come up encroaching upon 4-5 thousand sq mts. Panchayats have given demolition notices to the owners but nothing has been done. In fact the govt has failed us. These are greedy people finishing the comunidade system. If the minister wants to legalise illegal structures, why do comunidades exist?” asked Tiago.
The association said panchayats must be instructed to demolish such illegal encroachments, which will help protect the village comunidade lands and they felt that the Panchayat Minister should be instructing panchayats, which are armed with powers, to clear the same.
“Comunidades have no alternative other than to pray to the courts to direct the panchayats to clear of all illegal encroachments and illegal constructions since these illegalities are taking place due to the panchayat minister,” Venzy added.
