The speakers praised the government for the demolition of the 300-odd illegal structures at Baina and voiced their concern over the politicization of the issue, saying it unnecessarily stalled the Baina beautification and the highway project.
“This was our first meeting to put facts before the people and to garner support of the locals against anything that would hijack the development of Baina,” said Jayant Jadhav, the group’s convenor adding that a memorandum would be submitted to elected local leaders and that a signature campaign was also planned.
It also threatened to protest on the streets in large numbers if any politician made an attempt to further hinder Baina’s development or seek political mileage by misguiding the migrants.
More than 200 citizens from Vasco and Mormugao attended the meet.
