CANACONA
In a significant move, the Gawda-Kunbi-Velip communities on Monday announced the formation of a new tribal association ‘United Tribal Association of Adivasis-Gawda-Kunbi-Velip (UTAA-GKV)’.
The decision to form the UTAA-GKV was reportedly taken at a convention attended hundreds of tribal community members in Shristhal-Canacona, to counter the restrictions imposed on United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) and Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj Sanghatana (GMGMSS).
Addressing the convention after the launch of UTAA-GKV, former minister and Priol MLA Govind Gawde warned, “No one can dare stop the uprising of tribals by restricting the UTAA and GMGMSS. The Gawda-Kunbi-Velip communities will give a befitting reply to those who try to silence the voice of tribals.”
‘The government will get a suitable response for attempting to marginalise the tribals by restricting the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj Sangh and UTAA Sanghatna, which have been operating for 63 years.”
“Those who come in the way of UTAA will be uprooted from here. If the tribals do not get political reservation by 2027, we will not need any government, but after that we will get that reservation automatically.”
Speaking further, Govind Gaude claimed that a known force is working underground to undermine the tribals.
“However, our work for the community will not stop because of the restrictions. But those who come in the way of UTAA will be destroyed,” warned Gaude.
Criticising the Tribal Welfare Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, Gaude claimed it was ironic that the very people who gained recognition because of the Gomantak Gaud Maratha organisation were now claiming that they have no connection with this organisation.
Former minister Prakash Velip, former Cotigao sarpanch Umesh alias Daya Gaonkar, Molu Velip, Vishwas Gawde, Malu Velip, ZP (Poinguinim) Shobhana Velip, Durgadas Gawde and Satish Gaonkar were present on the stage.
The logo of the new organisation was unveiled on the occasion, to the loud cheers from the strong presence of tribals.
Continuing his tirade, Gaude said while the government has imposed restrictions on the tribal organisation UTAA, they would get justice in court.
“We will not tolerate injustice against tribals. There is opposition to the IIT being set up in Codar, and this new organisation will work against the injustice meted out to tribals there,” said Gaude.
Former minister Prakash Velip said the previous UTAA had started from Ponda.
“Now, the new UTAA has started from Canacona. There are 12 crore tribes across the country, and giving them rights provided by the constitution is not a favour; it is government's obligation,” said Velip.
‘So far, tribals have only got 50 per cent of the rights; we want to raise our voice to get another 50 per cent.
Durgadas Gawde said the work of causing a divide among tribals was being done due to fears that the tribal people will move forward.
Vishwas Gawde, Daya Gaonkar and others spoke on the occasion.
Former minister Isidore Fernandes, CMC Councillor Shubham Komarpant, GFA spokesperson and educationist Prashant Naik were also present at the convention.
Vishwas Gaude to head UTAA-GKV
CANACONA: Vishwas Gaude has been elected as president of the newly-formed ‘United Tribal Association of Adivasis-Gawda-Kunbi-Velip (UTAA-GKV)’.
Other office bearers elected were Molu Velip (working president), Daya (Umesh) Gaonkar (general secretary) and Rumaldo Gonsalves (treasurer).
Significantly, Govind Gaude and Prakash Velip have been included in the advisory committee.
