Team Herald
MARGAO: Impacted by the High Court order with regards to sealing of “unauthorised” tourism establishments in Agonda, the locals will hold a silent march in Canacona on Monday, March 24, in a show of solidarity with the affected residents.
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The protest march will commence at 10 am at the Canacona KTC bus stand, where participants intend to submit a memorandum to the Canacona Deputy Collector.
It may be recalled that the authorities temporarily paused the sealing of “unauthorised” tourism establishments in Agonda over the weekend, with plans to resume the operation on Monday. So far, 54 out of 67 structures were sealed on Thursday and Friday in compliance with the court directive. The remaining 13 establishments are slated to be sealed next week.
The two-day break on Saturday and Sunday was due to official holidays, offering a brief interlude in the enforcement drive.
“This is not a protest against the government or its agencies. Our fight is against those whose actions have led to the sealing of shacks and other establishments, causing hardship to the local community,” said one of the organisers of the protest.
The organisers further called for unity, urging the residents to gather in large numbers and demonstrate their collective resolve. “Let us stand firm and make it known that we will not be silenced,” they added.
It is pertinent to note that earlier this week, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, who is also the Canacona MLA, along with BJP Canacona Mandal president Prabhakar Gaonkar, Kushawant Bhagat, Gaurav Bhagat, and others, called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant regarding the recent sealing of establishments in Agonda including shacks, to convey the grievances of the affected community, who are seeking relief from the government.
