Team Herald
PANJIM: A group of “Proud Goans” on Friday foiled an attempt by Karnataka locals to demonstrate at Azad Maidan, Panjim who had to return without holding the demonstration.
Karnataka’s Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Organisation had announced a dharna at Azad Maidan Friday morning, to press for their demand to allow the diversion of Mhadei waters through the Kalsa-Banduri canals to the Malhaprabha basin.
On learning of the move, a group of ‘Swabhimani Goenkar’ (Proud Goans) assembled at Azad Maidan, before the Kannadigas could arrive.
Following the announcement by the Kannadigas, the social media had gone abuzz with messages for Goans to join the retaliatory demonstration at Azad Maidan. The Kannadigas had to finally walk away without sitting for a dharna.
Rajendra Kerkar, secretary of Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, stated demonstrations are allowed in democracy but termed this protest as undemocratic. “The Mhadei dispute is before the inter-state tribunal so what is the need for this demonstration?” he asked.
Kerkar was supported by social leaders Dr Dattaram Desai and Rajan Ghate besides a few journalists.
“After losing all hopes, Karnataka is now organising a series of protests, including Karnataka bandh and rasta roko, by mobilising political parties, industry, professionals and even Kannada film stars. This is totally illegal,” said Dr Desai.
Panjim MLA Siddharth Kuncoliencar was present at the venue but went away just before the arguments began.
During the bandh last month in Dharwad and Hubli a Kadamba Corporation Limited bus was set on fire by miscreants.
The case in the tribunal is in its final phase and a final order is expected on November 23.
Later, the Kannadigas met Leader of the Opposition Pratapsingh Rane over the Kalsa-Bhandura and Baina demolition. Rane told them that the matter is subjudice.
As regards rehabilitation of labourers whose houses were demolished in Baina, he told them that they should have been rehabilitated by those who brought them here for work. Rane told them that he was in line with the government on these issues.
The delegation comprised of Secretary Somshekar Mensinkai, Kishor Shetty, Murdeshwar Shetty and others.
