PANJIM: The Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions and supported by opposition parties failed to have much of an impact in Goa as government offices, private and commercial establishments, among other places functioned normally.
Business establishments also had their usual working hours, normal life remained unaffected and public transport services were also functioning whilst trade unions, including farmer groups, held a peaceful protest at Azad Maidan.
There were no reports of any violence or unwarranted happenings even as police personnel were deployed across the State to avoid any untoward incident. “Routine life was not affected and in any case, Section 144 CrPC is already in force in both districts that barred the assembly of four or more persons,” an official in the police control room said.
Several workers, including those from the trade unions, Communist Party of India (Goa), All India Trade Union Congress (Goa), All Goa Private Bus Owners’ Association, All India Kisan Sabha (Goa) and Centre of Indian Trade Union (Goa) took part in the protest.
Congress leaders including Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat, party president Girish Chodankar, among others were part of the protest at Azad Maidan.
“Dharana at Azad Maidan, Goa to support #BharatBandh on 8 December 2020 to protest anti farmer policies & anti farmer laws imposed on Annadatas by BJP government,” Kamat tweeted.
The political parties, along with protestors, in a joint letter addressed to President Ram Nath Kovind demanded withdrawal of the “three black laws”.
“The Annadata farmer and labourers will never forget the conspiracy of the Modi government to convert the disaster confronting the farmers into an opportunity for the capitalists under the garb of a pandemic. We urge upon your good self to intervene and ensure that these Acts are withdrawn and repealed forthwith,” the 10-page letter with 100 signatures, said.
