MARGAO
They had crossed swords against each other, backed political parties and candidates of their choice in the recently held Assembly polls, but again rallied under the anti-linear projects banner for the cause of Goa and its future generations.
Name them, Congress MLA Yuri Alemao, Aam Aadmi Party MLAs Cruz Silva and Venzy Viegas, a couple of defeated candidates, including Congress candidate Olencio Simoes, TMC leader Jose Raju Cabral and they all made their presence felt outside the Margao Civil and Criminal Court at Old Market to express their solidarity with the activists and people fighting against the three-linear projects to save the environment and for its posterity.
For a moment, these leaders and the activists seemed to have left their political leanings and ideologies behind to join the protesters outside the Margao court to send across a message loud and clear that they are all one when it comes to the battle for Goa, its people and its environment.
In one voice, these politicians and the protesters demanded to know why the government has targetted only five protesters when thousands of Goans from the nook and corner of the State had descended at Chandor to participate in the peaceful stir on the midnight of November 1-2 in 2020.
In fact, they sent a clear message that the five persons named in the chargesheet are not alone, but have the backing and blessings of thousands of Goan who had participated in the Chandor candle light agitation.
Says Capt Viriato Fernandes: “The summons issued by the court is not just for the four protesters, but on the people of Goa. We will all remain united come what may. This fight is to save Goa. We are ready to go into jail, but people of Goa will fight till the last for Goa. This is another pressure tactic by the government, but Goans will not be cowed down.”
Congress MLA Yuri Alemao wondered why the four innocent activists have received the summons when around 10,000 people had protested at Chandor. Charging the government for selectively targetting the people, Yuri said the people have full faith in the Judiciary. “Chandor falls in my Cuncolim constituency. We will oppose the three linear projects tooth and nail. We will all work to force the government to scrap the projects.”
AAP MLAs Cruz Silva and Venzy Viegas said they had participated in the Chandor agitation in 2020 and will oppose the linear projects tooth and nail. Cruz who made his presence in the court building said AAP will stand solidly behind the people.
Olencio Simoes appealed to the government to withdraw the cases since the Supreme Court has already given a favourable order in the Tamnar case. “We have just celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti, but the government is not respecting the foundation laid by the great leader. Government should stop selective targetting of activists,” he added.
Goencho Ekvott convenor Creson Antao said they have all come to show their solidarity with the five persons summoned by the court. “They have been falsely implicated by the police. This should not happen. Protest is a democratic right and no one can stop anyone from protesting,” he said, adding that the activists will go to the higher court to quash the proceedings.
