MARGAO: Violating the Collector’s order under Section 144 prohibiting any procession or meeting in South Goa, hundreds of people participated in a rally organised by Goyant Kollso Naka, a month-long initiative to create awareness amongst the Goans about the State government’s “diabolic” plan to destroy the Goa’s environment.
The villagers started the rally about 10 minutes before the scheduled time and covered a total distance of around 22 kms through the villages of Guirdolim and Chandor-Cavorim and finally assembled in front of the Chandor church.
The rally was silent with some slogans shouted with the megaphone as the organisers did not get the sound permission. What was impressive was that the senior citizens and children, who could not participate, stood outside their house compounds with the posters and placards as the rally passed by.
In all, there were around 250 two wheelers and 25 four wheelers that participated and even though a bus load of police personnel and the Mamlatdar of Salcete were present at the site, they remained mute spectators as the rally traversed past.
Vikas Bhagat and Joy D’Silva in their speeches pointed out that all major battles to save Goa including Goa’s liberation movement had roots with Chandor as T B Cunha, who is known as the father of Goa’s liberation movement, was born in Chandor. They also lamented that the Goans had to fight for their rights whether it was through the Opinion Poll or the agitation to get Konkani as the official language of the State.
Bhagat while pointing out that the MLAs were empowered to act in the interest of the State and its people said, ”The people have the right to question their MLAs over their stand on coal transportation through Goa.”
D’Silva in an impassioned manner warned the politicians who are planning Goa’s destruction by converting it into a coal hub of being not only cursed but also being guilty of destroying their descendants’ future.
Lynellie D’Souza, who just passed her SSC examination, appealed to the gathered crowd to act to protect the land for their sake and while regretting that the environment was being destroyed by human’s irresponsible behaviour went on her knees to ask the crowd to be united today as it will impact tomorrow.
Some children from the villages stood with the posters asking people to save the villages for their future while another group of children presented a short skit, with the slogans against destruction of environment and transportation of coal.
While most of the people participating in the rally were from Guirdolim and Chandor there were some representatives from neighbouring Curtorim, Sao Jose de Areal, Loutolim and Shiroda.
Ganv Bhavancho Ekvott also provided support.
Police inspector of Maina Curtorim Shivram Vaingankar said that he would have no problem if there were less than 100 people as the rally went ahead.
