TEAM HERALD
CORTALIM: Upping the ante for special status for Goa, Rector of Sancoale Sanctuary Fr Erimito Rebelo has said that Goa deserves to be in the special category to protect its identity.
Speaking at Sancoale, Fr Rebelo recalled that in 1961 when Goa was invaded and conquered by the Indian Army, Goans were not given a choice to decide their future.
“Goans were not given an opportunity to decide its future; whether it should remain independent or merge with India. There are many small countries which are thriving and Goa with its natural resources such as mines, fishing and agriculture too would have been able to sustain itself,” Fr Rebelo maintained.
“So at least now Goans should be given what they deserve and that is to protect its identity which is under threat.”
Fr Rebelo claimed that the resolution which the State government (State Assembly) had adopted which was rejected by the Centre was not properly drafted.
He said that the Movement for Special Status for Goa had drafted a new petition to the chief minister with copies to MLAs, all the three MPs and urged people who wished to sign the petition to do so.
