A great man
Sincere. Dedicated. Charismatic. Pick one or all of the above. These are just some of the adjectives that Fr Bismarque Dias has earned for himself over the years. Like many, his death came as a shocker to me, and the forensic report that everyone is awaiting with a bated breath could possibly give the case a whole new dimension. Though, I never met Fr Bismarque in person, I could connect with him on various issues. Since the news of his death broke out, the thought of offering my condolences to his family--and to get a sense of his aura--were uppermost on my mind.
Soon after reaching St Estevam, the dome of the Church—in the distance--was the first to greet me. I lost my way in the narrow lanes, but friendly villagers put me on the right path. Finally, a motorcyclist escorted me to Fr Bismarque’s house. I paid my condolences to the family as they seemed still in a state of shock. Fr Bismarque's mother said “Baba itle pois san aila.” At first she kept mum, but soon opened up. When I rose to say goodbye, his mother stepped forward to offer her blessings. A sense of satisfaction and feel good factor enveloped me. As I parked my car in the ferry, I noticed a sticker plastered on a scooter that read: “We demand justice for Fr Bismarque.”
Justice for Fr Bismarque is just a matter of time. No one can sweep the issue under the carpet. The investigation now has assumed a fresh direction under a new agency. If indeed it was a murder as has been alleged in some quarters, then the perpetrators must be getting sleepless nights. They can run, but they can't hide.
Clifford Cardozo, Quepem
Tea for three
It was good to see the bonhomie between the treasury benches and the opposition, as the Prime Minister invited opposition leaders for tea. The Prime Minister has taken the initiative to open a communication channel with the opposition. Now, the onus lies on both the ruling and the opposition, to ensure a good functioning of the Parliament. A well-functioning Parliament can be a true homage to makers of our Constitution, including Dr B R Ambedkar.
K B. Dessai, Fatorda
Dumping vehicles
It is understood that forty-nine vehicles lying in different parts of the capital city Panaji will be auctioned by the government after following due procedure. The vehicles comprise of 40 two-wheelers, eight four-wheelers and a rickshaw. This is a step in the right direction and should be emulated in other cities as well. Section 127 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 states that “Where an abandoned, unattended, wrecked, burnt or partially dismantled vehicle is creating a traffic hazard, because of its position in relation to the public place, or its physical appearance is causing the impediment to the traffic, its immediate removal from the public place by a towing service may be authorized by a police officer having jurisdiction”. The abandoned vehicles can be auctioned after collecting details and proper verification and the matter reported to the collector. It must be said there are several abandoned vehicles in the various cities throughout the state. These abandoned vehicles have been lying in one place for several years. Besides presenting a sore sight, as they have suffered various degrees of rust, many a times these vehicles cause obstruction to the smooth flow of vehicles. A massive drive needs to be initiated by the government all across the state to clear public places of these abandoned vehicles. Public spaces should not be allowed to be used as place to abandon vehicles by their owners.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
