In Davorlim, the site of the proposed double-tracking work, a sudden wave of distrust and uncertainty swept over sparking off tension. The massive deployment of the police force and a steady trickle of protestors and political leaders showed signs of yet another face-off. The area which reflected an uneasy calm till around 8.30 pm was steadily turning into an arena. The area which had a single policeman posted on duty early in the evening became a battlefield by midnight with hordes of police teams taking positions. They had a mammoth job at hand since any disruption of rail services could have escalated the situation out of control.
The Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd had announced postponement of work on the double track at the Davorlim level-crossing days prior, but there were no takers for that. The assembly of people despite the assurance of not undertaking work is testimony to the vast trust deficit in the system. Protestors, despite a late call, flocked to the site and stayed put till the wee hours of the morning to ensure that no work was undertaken. A team also physically inspected the tracks well past midnight.
The Davorlim midnight standoff highlights people's distrust in government machinery and the Railways. It showcases that protestors are not going to accept assurances and promises any more. Forcing postponement of works at Chandor and Davorlim are two minor victories for protestors. What's next? These works have not been shelved, and double-tracking works elsewhere have not been stopped. If the administration decides it could complete the laying of the tracks across the 6-metre stretches of road at both sites in a matter of few hours taking everyone off guard. It is here that the people will have to redraw strategies on how the agitation will proceed from here.
While tensions were simmering at Davorlim, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was in Delhi. There was an expectancy that the CM would work out ways to diffuse the crises he is facing back home and engage central ministers in crucial discussions on the projects in Goa. The least that was expected was the CM trying to give a push for cultural tourism in the State.
While the recent assurance from the government is about capping the existing 15 million tonnes of coal capacity, the CM was expected to use his Delhi visit to try and douse the flames of protests in Goa seeking central intervention. If the talk in Delhi revolved around tourism and the internals of the BJP-led State government, it only goes to show the government's misplaced priorities. On this count, a written central undertaking proposed by Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral appears to be just a theoretical proposition.
The arrogance and insistence with which the government has been approaching the protests are showing. With agitations flaring up over several issues, including the one against Marina witnessed over the weekend, the BJP-led government will find it extremely difficult to negotiate the road to the next elections.
