MARGAO: Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai and former Velim ZP member Anthony Rodrigues, while calling for a Goa bandh to protest the Defexpo, hailed the Assolna gram sabha’s decision to show solidarity with the residents of Betul-Naqueri.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Rainbow Warriors has extended its support to the residents of Quitol and neighbouring villages in their struggle against the “poorly disguised land grab” being attempted by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for the Defence Expo.
“I congratulate the Assolna gram sabha for showing solidarity with the people of Naqueri-Betul in their opposition to the Defence Expo. I also condemn the Chief Minister’s statement that those opposing the DefExpo will be punished and put behind bars,” said Sardesai.
He continued, “The silence of the Congress State president on the CM’s authoritarian statement is shocking. I would like to reassure the Congress Party of our support if it ever decides to take on this perfect example of development authoritarianism of the BJP. Let all those opposed to the Defence Expo call for a Goa bandh and let us see how many jails the government can fill with self-respecting Goenkars.”
Meanwhile, FRW president Rony Dias stated, “The brazen action of the government to silence the voice of the people reeks of the tactics used by the Nazi regime of Hitler. The democratic and constitutional rights of the people are being strangled and abused.”
FRW has resolved to walk with the residents of Quitol in their Satyagraha against the violation of their land rights, and also to demand that no land in Goa be used for the sale of weapons or to escalate violence in the world.
“The lands belong to the villagers and to future generations only. Neither the GIDC nor the Defence Ministry can acquire any rights to these lands. Common lands are the highest ownership status for any lands in the country, which cannot be changed under colonial, anti-national acquisition laws. Misguided SEZ and industrial policies were responsible for the misuse of colonial anti-people laws to try to grab common lands, but the people of Quitol have clearly and consistently expressed their refusal to part with the lands, or to bow down to unjust colonial laws,” said Abhijit Prabhudesai, FRW general secretary.
FRW also observed that the plateau is highly eco-sensitive and no activities except grazing, farming and forestry could be allowed there.
“The plateau is the best recharge area in the country with unbelievable water retention due to the highly porous ore-rich laterite surface, which must be maintained in pristine condition to preserve the extremely sensitive water regime of the region. These are also the homelands of the endangered Dhangar community, other local residents and lakhs of species of flora and fauna, including rare, endangered and endemic species, and therefore cannot be diverted for any other use,” said Dias
FRW has stated that it is committed to world peace, and it unconditionally opposes the sale of lethal weapons, which leads to military escalations, poverty and loss of lives.
“We believe that India must make peace with our neighbours, and we must together reduce military spending by improving our relations and building mutual trust. The profit driven military-industrial complex is responsible for millions of killings throughout the world, and India must totally prevent further sale of weapons in the world, if we truly believe in human values and peace,” added Prabhudesai.
Incidentally, FRW members were present alongside the locals who had protested the DefExpo last Monday.
