NCM directs CS to appear in person over Kabrastan issue

MARGAO, MAY 18
The National Commission for the Minorities has summoned Goa Chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava to appear in person before the panel to explain the position on the Muslim community’s demand for a Kabrastan in Margao.
Last time around, the Commission had agreed for a one month postponement of the hearing scheduled on April 22 and exemption from personal appearance of the Chief Secretary following a request received from the Secretary, Urban Development.
But, now the Commission has asked the Chief Secretary to appear in person with all the necessary files and documents in support of the contention the government may want to make before the Commission.
The Secretary, Urban Development had asked the Commission to exempt the personal appearance of the chief secretary as well as to consider to allow more time for taking a view on this sensitive kabrastan matter.
In his letter date April 19, the Secretary, Urban Development S Kumaraswamy had said that the Revenue department had initiated land acquisition process based on a resolution forwarded by the Margao Municipal Council.
He said that locating a graveyard/kabrastan of a particular community has acquired sensitive nature and land acquisition proceedings could not proceed further without the active support of the local inhabitants.
He further said that the State Law Commission has suggested a common Legislation for providing burial/crematorium ground.
“The same is likely to be introduced in the Assembly, and thereafter, the government to act in accordance with the provisions of the Legislation. The entire process may take considerable time. Due to sensitive nature of the issue, the government is treading cautiously in the matter, in order to take support of all the interested groups to settle the matter”, the Secretary Urban Development stated in his letter.