Madgavkars unite in protest against assault on scribe

MARGAOrr The delegation told the chairperson that look at this audacious attack on the journalist as an emboldened act by illegal vendors who due to inefficiency and perhaps complicity of MMC and their employees, think that is their right to occupy footpaths and roadside areas to sell their wares. r The chairperson was also reminded about of a near similar humiliation in the past when a vendor abused her in her chamber. They stated that the Madgavkars fully supported the Chairperson, expecting sincere attempts to curb this menace, but lamented that the MMC has been lenient or perhaps supportive of such illegalities. r Savio Coutinho questioned the purpose of anti-encroachment drives if the goods have to be released with petty fines. When the CP tried to impress upon the delegation that an undertaking has been taken from the traders that they would not encroach upon the footpaths in future, Coutinho embarrassed the chairperson by pointing out that the same traders whose goods were seized in Borda/ Fatorda area, are back on the footpaths. r “We feel the need to point out to you that this negligence or deliberate act of MMC is violative of HC directives,” Jose Maria Miranda stated. r The delegation demanded that all footpaths, berms and road-widening areas be cleared of all encroachments and be kept free for pedestrian movement, more particularly the footpaths and areas around the comunidade building, where there is a bus stop and two wheeler parking, as they impede free movement of people availing of these facilities. r Laurel Abranches requested for prompt action with regard to the demands which are in the interests of citizens in general and which MMC is duty bound to protect. He further warned the Council that failure to comply may invite Court contempt proceedings and also result into a law and order problem for which MMC alone will be responsible.