PANJIM: A delegation of freedom fighters visited the Aguada Fort and found that the private agency, which has been allowed to maintain the fort, had put up a food court and a bar.
The visit comes after the government’s decision to permit bar licence at the historical site. Goa Freedom Fighters Association general secretary Gurudas Kunde, treasurer Rohidas `Dad’ Desai and freedom fighter’s son journalist Sandesh Prabhudesai were part of the delegation of freedom fighters which visited the Fort.
Kunde said, “During the visit we found a food court being permitted there. We will now again pay a surprise visit and stop any attempt to sell liquor there.”
Herald had last week published news about freedom fighters and their families as well as the opposition red flagging the liquor outlet within the fort premises which houses a museum documenting the State’s freedom struggle.
When asked about the bar which has been opened at the renovated Aguada Fort and museum, in a brief response, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “I will check.”
Meanwhile, Lokacho Adhar president Trajano D’Mello demanded that the government should immediately withdraw the licence given for the bar at Fort Aguada to preserve its heritage value and that the government prioritize safety and wellbeing over commercial gain.
Trajano demanded that the government uphold the heritage value of the Aguada Fort and must withdraw the licence of the bar without delay. Failure to do so would be a gross disregard for the historical significance of the site and a disservice to those who fought for our freedom.
It may be recalled that the state government came in for strong criticism from freedom fighters and activists expressing shock over the administration’s decision to allow the sale of alcohol at the precincts of the historic jail complex at Fort Aguada.
