OLD GOA
As the Old Goa fast satyagraha entered day 28 on Tuesday, a group of residents from Cumbarjua extended their support to the agitation against the structure that has come up within heritage precincts of St Cajetan church.
Speaking to reporters, TMC leader Samil Volvoikar questioned the seriousness of the government in its action against the structure.
“Already, it’s been 28 days since the satyagraha started and there is no action from the government. The speed at which the government authorities granted licences to the structure, it should have been demolished at the same speed, but that is not the case,” said Volvoikar, while questioning the seriousness of the government, particularly the panchayat, in demolishing the structure.
Advocate Shailesh Gauns came down heavily on the Se Old Goa panchayat for taking its own sweet time to complete the procedure for revoking the licence.
“Why is the panchayat taking so much time to revoke the licence? I think they only want to bide time,” Gauns stated while suspecting something fishy in the matter.
Gauns further warned the panchayat not to play with the sentiments of the people and stated if the licence is not revoked by December 23, the people will show them the real satyagraha.
Carambolim panch Rajesh Naik questioned why the master plan for Old Goa is not prepared to ensure that the heritage sites are protected.
“This government is supporting illegalities but failing to protect heritage sites,” Naik said and urged for immediate initiation of the demolition process.
An Old Goa local, Bernadette Fernandes, chided the then sarpanch who issued the licence, for playing the blame game over the episode.
“He passes this side several times but doesn’t have the time to meet the satyagrahis,” Fernandes stated.
Meanwhile, Ana Gracias, who had participated in the fast satyagraha from day one, has discontinued the agitation from Sunday, after completing 26 days.
