Team Herald
PONDA: Accusing politicians of plotting to divide locals and push the national highway (NH) expansion for vested interests, Bhoma villagers sent out a clear message on Sunday: they are prepared to die to protect their village and its culture from destruction.
Residents of Corlim, who had earlier filed a joint petition in the High Court of Bombay at Goa against the NH expansion, came forward to extend their support to Bhoma locals.
Speaking at a meeting, Sanjay Naik said, “Fearing politicians, some people have not stepped out of their houses to attend. But we are ready to die and will shed our blood to save Bhoma.”
He called the NH expansion and the Sagarmala project a conspiracy imposed on Bhoma and urged villagers to demand an alternative alignment plan to save the 36 hillside plots. “We will not allow expansion,” he said firmly.
Social activist Rama Kankonkar encouraged villagers not to lose hope. “The people of Bhoma should not be disheartened. Ram Manohar Lohia inspired Goans to fight the Portuguese and liberate Goa. We will never allow Bhoma to become another Khapreshwar temple. Women must lead a Melauli-like agitation — there is no other option.”
Gauresh Gaude said, “For centuries, villagers lived peacefully, but now we are forced to live in fear. If there is no deity, how will our culture survive?”
Advocate Rubin D’Souza stated that residents of both Bhoma and Corlim have opposed the project. “In court, we have demanded an alignment plan. But the government has still not shown it to us,” he said.
Vaman Shirodkar, a septuagenarian, voiced disappointment in elected leaders. “We elected a Bahujan leader who betrayed us. What’s the use of development if it destroys
Bahujans and Bahujan
culture?”
Local resident Kishore Naik drew parallels with Khapreshwar and questioned the silence of many. “Why are so many people staying home and not attending the meeting? Saving our village is not politics. Bhoma residents must stay united and protect our village and culture for future generations.”
Shantu Bhomkar added emotionally, “How will our children know Bhoma’s heritage if the village and our culture are wiped out for highway expansion? The government might as well bury us while carrying out the widening.”
Mariano, a Corlim resident, accused politicians of adopting a divide-and-rule policy for their own interests.
Another elderly resident, Putu Gaude, asked pointedly, “How will this project benefit the people of Bhoma? We will save our village and culture from destruction.”