Hotel removes iron fencing after locals protest over access used for religious rituals
In the presence of the hotel’s general manager and other officials, the iron-bar fencing was removed to restore the pathway to its original state.
CANACONA
Canacona Dy Collector and SDM Prataprao Naik Gaunkar on Friday intervened to restore a traditional pathway used by locals for religious rituals, which had been blocked by a hotel at Rajbagh-Tarir in Canacona.
According to aggrieved locals, the hotel had locked the gate, denying them access to the traditional pathway, which is also used for the Palki ceremony, for about 5–6 months.
After the residents reacted in anger, the matter reached the court of the Canacona Dy Collector and was later transferred to the Dy Collector at Quepem.
Locals alleged that while the proceedings were still being heard by the Dy Collector (Quepem), the hotel had erected iron fencing, completely blocking access to the pathway. This further angered the people, and they began assembling in large numbers, often entering into arguments with the hotel staff.
On Friday, people decided to lead a morcha to the hotel, demanding the immediate removal of the iron fencing and the lock.
Anticipating a law and order problem, Canacona Dy Collector/SDM Prataprao Naik Gaunkar intervened and invited the agitating people for a discussion.
Led by the Canacona Municipal Council Chairperson Laxuman Pagui, Ward Councillor Gandesh Madganvkar, ex-chairperson and councillor Ramakant Naik Gaunkar, residents of Rajbagh-Tarir demanded the immediate removal of the fencing and gate or else threatened a morcha to the hotel and to forcibly remove the fencing and gate on their own.
Prataprao Naik Gaunkar, along with Joint Mamlatdar Gayatri Naik Desai, went to the site along with fire services personnel and a police team. In the presence of the hotel’s general manager and other officials, the iron-bar fencing was removed to restore the pathway to its original state.
The SDM later directed the hotel not to apply any lock at the site till the matter before the Dy Collector (Quepem) is heard and an order is passed.
Later, speaking to media persons, Prataprao Naik Gaunkar said he had intervened to maintain peace and harmony in the locality, since the matter is sub judice and proceedings are going on before the Quepem Deputy Collector.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Ashok Dhuri said the matter was also reported to the Chief Minister, who assured that the pathway would be restored. “I thank the CM, our MLA, CMC Chairperson Laxuman Pagui, Vice-Chairperson and councillors for giving us the much-needed relief,” said Dhuri.
