MARGAO, JAN 5
In a twist to the controversy over the notice issued to the Shri Swami Samarth Temple at Rumdamol village, the South Goa Deputy Director of Panchayats on Wednesday directed the Panchayat body to keep the matter in abeyance till further orders.
In a letter, the deputy panchayat director, Pravin M S Barad restrained the Rumdamol sarpanch from taking further action in view of the Supreme Court ruling in regards to the religious structure.
While restraining the sarpanch from further acting in the matter, Barad said that this is a matter of state policy frame work.
Meanwhile, district Collector G P Naik told newsmen that the issue over the religious structure located at Rumdamol village is pending before state government and added that no one can taken action till the government takes a policy and file an affidavit before the Supreme Court.
“As per the Supreme Court directions, the district magistrates were directed to identify all such structures and place before the government for a policy decision. We have identified the structures and a policy decision is pending before the Cabinet”, Naik added.
Meanwhile, BJP leader and ruling Rumdamol Panch member Ulhas Tuemkar said the panchayat will stop all procedures vis-à-vis the Shri Swami Samarth Temple as per the directions of the Deputy Director of Panchayats.
“We had earlier issued the demolition notice based on the directions of the Deputy Panchayat Director. The process will not be stopped forthwith”, he said adding that the Panchayat will not hurt the sentiments of any religious community.
Replying to a question, Tuemkar said the Panch members are ready to resign from the membership of the body if that helps to maintain peace and tranquility in the village.
