Calls for dialogue as villagers continue protests
MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government would seek legal opinion on the recent court order that quashed the construction licence granted to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for the proposed Unity Mall project at Chimbel.
The Chief Minister made the statement after the issue came up briefly during the morning session of the Assembly.
Referring to the ongoing agitation by local residents, Sawant appealed for calm and dialogue.
“People should not hold an andolan. I have called them for a discussion. We want to take a legal opinion on the court order,” he told the House.
On Wednesday, the Principal District and Sessions Court, North Goa, quashed and set aside the construction licence issued to GTDC for the Unity Mall, dealing a setback to the project.
Following the order, protests have continued in Chimbel, with villagers demanding that the project be dropped.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao requested the chief minister not to challenge the court order in the High Court and to respect the wishes of the local residents. He said the government should bow to public sentiment and avoid prolonging the dispute through further litigation.
Reiterating the
government’s stand, Sawant said the administration was open to dialogue and had invited a delegation of four representatives from Chimbel for discussions to find an amicable solution.
He stressed that taking to the streets was unnecessary when issues could be resolved through talks.
At the same time, the Chief Minister alleged that certain individuals were attempting to further their political interests by fuelling the agitation.
He maintained that the government would take a considered decision on the future course of action only after obtaining a legal opinion on the court verdict.
