MARGAO
The Cuncolim Chieftains Committee and other Cuncolim-based organizations, besides freedom fighters, have decided to commemorate the Chieftains Day on July 15 in a grand manner this year in the wake of the Goa government’s decision to commemorate July 15 as the National War Memorial Day to mark the 1583 Cuncolim revolt.
While hailing the decision of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to give recognition to the 1583 Cuncolim revolt, the citizens at a joint briefing said the CM will be invited to the celebrations on July 15 at the Chieftain's memorial. The citizens also exuded confidence that the chief minister will bring to the logical conclusion the long-pending demand of Cuncolkars to include the 1583 Cuncolim revolt in the school history books.
President of Cuncolim Chieftains Memorial Committee Oscar Martins said the Chief Minister deserves credit for taking the Cuncolim revolt to the national level by deciding to commemorate July 15 as the National War Memorial Day. He further pointed out that the chief minister will complete his mission by including the 1583 Cuncolim revolt in the school textbooks.
Freedom fighter Rohidas alias Daad Desai said the brave Chieftains of Cuncolim, Assolna, Velim, Ambelim and Veroda stopped and opposed the oppressive Portuguese regime.
“After the five Jesuit priests were killed by the locals, the Portuguese avenged the killings by inviting the 16 village heads for peace talks and massacred 15 of them, with one managing to escape from the Assolna fort,” he added.
Cuncolim councillor Videsh Desai said the Cuncolim revolt had stopped the Portuguese from marching further in the villages of Balli and the Quepem hinterland.
Welcoming the chief minister’s decision, Videsh said a delegation of the BJP would seek an appointment with the CM to invite him for this year’s commemoration of the Chieftains Day at Cuncolim on July 15.
