GE commends people for their fearless opposition to ‘destructive’ projects

Team Herald

MARGAO: Commending the people for their efforts in putting up a fearless opposition to the “destructive” projects, the speakers at the meeting organised by Goencho Ekvott at Zariwado-Davorlim slammed the police and administration for their alleged high-handed approach to the people’s movement.

The speakers at meeting held near the Rosary Chapel called upon the people to continue their fearless opposition to double-tracking of rail lines and coal transportation. 

“It was expected that the panch members and the local MLA would attend this meeting, but they didn’t,” Goencho Avaaz co-convenor Capt Viriato Fernandes said. 

“When they come to seek votes for the next election, ask them why they were not present at the protest and the meeting that were meant to save Goa for the future generation,” said Capt Viriato. 

“Ask your MLA why he is absent today. He is a former Chief Minister. Maybe someone has given him money. Ask him, what is the political game,” he questioned. 

“Till date, the government has not been able to think the way we, people are thinking of the betterment of Goa,” said Royla Fernandes. 

“I commend you, people, for questioning the persons, who were carrying out the work of laying the tracks at Davorlim, which we have been opposing. Why the people had to go to the site? Because the persons we elected to question the wrong have remained silent”, said Goencho Ekvott convenor Creson Antao. 

“When your people came together it was expected of the Davorlim panch members to be with you. Where are the panchayat members,” asked Creson. 

When the youth raised questions with regards to the work, the police officer lost his calm. The youth sought the details as the railway property till date has not done mutation of the land they have acquired,” he charged. 

“The presence of armed policemen at the site was to send a message to the people to back off out of fear. But the people will not back off,” he warned. 

Creson urged the locals to call for a meeting at the panchayat and question the local body as to why it is not coming ahead.