In a powerful dis play of escalating public defiance, the protest by Palem-Siridao villagers gained massive momentum on Sunday as they contin ued to camp overnight at Azad Maidan. They drew widespread support from a unified front of activists and opposition leaders, demanding that projects cleared under Section 39(A) be scrapped and warning the government of intensified protests if their demands are ignored. The protest witnessed participation from people across Goa and from differ ent walks of life. Leaders from various opposition parties, including Congress, AAP and the Goa Forward Party, members of several NGOs, social activists, free dom fighters and concerned citizens attended the public meeting and expressed sol idarity with the movement. The protesters have now called for a “maha an dolan” on Monday, February 23 at 4 pm at Azad Maidan, with organisers planning to mobilise around 4,000 to 5,000 people. Villagers from Palem-Siridao invoked “Shree Sateri Devi” and raised slogans asserting their rights over rivers, forests and hills, saying nat ural resources must remain with local communities. With no response forthcoming from the government, protesters announced that the agitation would escalate in the coming days. Ajay Kholkar, a Chim bel resident taking part in the agitation, reiterated that all pro jects approved — in cluding those granted provisional clearance — under Section 39(A) must be scrapped. “We will not move back. Letters have been sent to the Governor and the Speaker. The hunger strike will con tinue. If the govern ment does not listen, there will be mass agi tation,” he said. By evening, Kholkar announced a sharper course of action. “From tomorrow, we launch a ‘Karo Ya Maro’ (Do or Die) agitation. This will be a movement of the common people.”
He said, “All opposition parties, activists and NGOs will be part of it. We warn of an unprecedented agitation which this BJP government has never seen,” he declared. Pushpavati Gawas, a senior citizen, expressed anguish over the impact on livelihoods. “We have grown up depend ing on fruits and vegetables from our land. Now fields and forests are being destroyed. What will we eat? How will we survive?” she asked. A woman protester accused TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane of creating divisions. “We have nothing against the people of Sattari, but such statements divide us. If he has the cour age, he should come to the ground instead of making state ments from home,” she said. Taxi union leader Chetan Kamat said the agitation has widespread support. “As a Goenkar, I support this move ment. Section 39(A) affects not just me but every Goan. It impacts the common man,” he said. Goa Freedom Fighters Association president Rohidas (Daad) Dessai extended solidarity, stating that the strug gle is for people’s rights and that the freedom Goa achieved was not meant to permit injustice. Social activist Dr Oscar Rebello urged voters to rise above caste and religion during elections and focus on safeguard ing Goa’s land and future. He also said political parties must remain firm on their stand if they expect public support. Goa Forward Party president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai described the government’s actions as “Salazarsa hi,” calling them oppressive and anti-democratic. “This is not the way to treat the locals. What message is the govern ment trying to send?” he questioned. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said elected repre sentatives have both the right and the duty to raise public issues in the Assembly. Alleging misuse of planning provi sions, he accused the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department of carrying out zone changes on a “case-to case and case-to-suitcase basis,” and termed the current regime a “Ravan Rajya.” GPCC president Amit Patkar accused the government of trying to divide people. Referring to remarks attributed to TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane about mobilising supporters, Patkar said, “There are 15 lakh people in the State. If Goans unite, 97 per cent will stand together. Amendments are being brought to sell the State. In 2012, Manohar Parrikar promised a Regional Plan within 100 days, but even after 14 years there is none.” Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa highlighted environmental concerns in tribal areas. “Nearly 35 per cent of my constit uency comprises Scheduled Tribe communities who have protected fields, hills and forests. These very resources are now being destroyed. With elections approaching, people must unite,” he said. Congress leader Manisha Usgaonkar said the people of Sattari stand united with the rest of Goa in protecting the State’s interests. Velim MLA Cruz Silva said the issue extends beyond a single constituency. “If an elected representative can be treated this way, imagine the plight of a common man. Zone changes, increased FAR and development in No Develop ment Zones are not limited to one area — this is a pan-Goa issue. We must remain united and ensure Section 39(A) is scrapped,” he said. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas called for opposition unity. “Though we are part of a Delhi-based party that will not stop us from ensuring an alliance in Goa. We will speak to our party leadership and push for unity. Goans must sup port this effort,” he said.
