VASCO
Hundreds of people from different parts of the State blocked the tracks as part of a 12-hour vigil at Arossim village from Friday night, in the first major agitation against the three controversial projects following the Zilla Panchayat election results.
Members and supporters of Goyant Kollso Naka (GKN) and several groups agitating against the three controversial projects -- double tracking, coal transportation and the Tanmar power lines -- began assembling at Arossim at about 10.30 pm.
A number of protestors squatted on the railway tracks and lit candles on the concrete sleepers of the tracks. Groups then performed jingles at the venue, as people gathered with placards and began chanting slogans against the three projects.
When contacted, GKN co-convenor Abhijit Prabhudesai said the agitation began at 10.30 pm on Friday and would end the next day on Saturday, which marks Goa’s Liberation Day.
“We have all gathered against the three liner projects and this is a symbolic protest on the eve of Goa’s Liberation. We want Goa to be liberated from coal and hence, our vigil will carry on till Goa’s Liberation Day,” said Prabhudesai.
“This is an agitation for and by every Goan and people have gathered here are from all over the State. Various anti-coal groups have united and come together with one motto of liberating Goa from coal for a better future,” he said.
Various speakers were expected to address the gathering later at night.
A large police presence was stationed at the site to avoid any untoward incident and at about 11.20 pm, police officials met the protestors and requested them to stop their agitation on the tracks.
While the State government has insisted that the Zilla Panchayat election results have been a vote against the agitation, the Goyant Kollso Naka and Goemcho Ekvott have disputed the claim and have vowed to continue with their agitation.
