GKN hits back, says coal importers are ‘anti-nationals’, urges Goans to attend November 9 meet at Lohia Maidan
Anti-coal activists led by Abhijit Prabhudesai giving a call to the people of Goa to come in large numbers for the anti-coal awareness programme at the Lohia Maidan, Margao, on November 9 at 5 pm.
MARGAO
As the government has invoked the National Security Act against the backdrop of moves to intensify the anti-coal agitation, the Goyant Kollso Naka has said that the government should apply the NSA to the companies bringing coal into the country and selling finished steel to the foreign countries.
“The National Security Act is being invoked to protect Goa. We are protecting the national interest by fighting against coal. Those who are getting coal are anti-nationals as they are getting coal from abroad and selling steel to them as finished goods,” stated GKN co-convenor Abhijit Prabhudesai in reply to a media query over the government decision to invoke NSA in the State.
Meanwhile, Abhijit Prabhudesai has given a call to the people of Goa to come out in large numbers for the November 9 awareness meeting at the Lohia Maidan, Margao at 5 pm.
The awareness programme was scheduled on November 1, at Margao but had to be postponed due to unseasonal heavy rains. “This decision was unavoidable considering the heavy rains, yet we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. The awareness programme is now rescheduled to be held at 5 pm this coming Sunday, the 9th of November at Lohia Maidan, Margao,” he said.
He added: “Goyant Kollso Naka thanks the people of Goa for the tremendous enthusiasm and support displayed in the run-up to November 1, and we appeal fervently to all Goans to attend the awareness programme on November 9, at 5 pm with the same zest and unity. During this programme, we shall present before you the facts regarding the plans of our government to convert Goa into a coal hub, and we shall also exhibit the sustained and unanimous opposition from the residents of the State since almost 10 years.”
He made a plea to all Goans and other residents, especially the youth, to attend this programme in large numbers, and to express your solidarity with the land and people of Goa, especially the future generations.
To a question, Abhijit said the anti-coal agitation is beyond politics, saying that invitation has been given to all the political parties in the State. “At this juncture, people should leave aside their differences and come on a common platform to save Goa from destruction,” he added.
