MAPUSA
In a development that has further inflamed tensions in Tivim, the managing committee of the local comunidade has sent defamation notices to at least 15 individuals, including prominent gaunkars, over allegations made on social media regarding a contentious land deal.
The issue stems from a 99-year lease agreement with Pune-based Maharashtra Academy of Engineering & Educational Research (MAEER) for establishing a private university on 2 lakh square metres of comunidade land.
The lease agreement has been widely criticised by locals, including Gaunkars from Tivim and Khanapur, who allege that the deal was executed without sufficient transparency.
They claim there were procedural lapses and a lack of community consultation. The backlash has been particularly strong given the long-term implications of the lease on community resources.
“This is our land, inherited and preserved for generations. Such decisions cannot be taken behind closed doors. The people of Tivim deserve to know the truth,” said Godfrey D’Lima, a vocal Gaunkar who received a defamation notice.
The defamation notices accuse the recipients of making defamatory statements against members of the managing committee, particularly on social media. The notices demand that the alleged defamatory content be withdrawn, an unconditional apology be issued and regret be expressed publicly.
Failing this, the managing committee has threatened civil and criminal legal action. Among those targeted is a youngster who questioned the land deal in a local forum.
“I am shocked that my voice, as a concerned resident, has led to such extreme measures. As a young person who wants transparency, I feel silenced,” she said.
Rather than being intimidated, recipients of the notices have expressed their determination to continue fighting for transparency.
“This is clearly an attempt to silence critics and suppress dissent. But instead of backing down, it has strengthened our resolve. We are prepared to respond legally and politically to this move,” said Mollie D’Silva, a resident of Tivim.
Another resident added, “If there’s nothing to hide, why not address the concerns openly? The notices only make it seem like the managing committee is trying to cover something up.”
As the community braces for a prolonged fight, the controversy highlights the growing tension between development and the preservation of Goa’s traditional land systems.
Unrest growing among Gaunkars in Upper Ghats
There is rising discontent among Gaunkars of Tivim Comunidade living in different villages of Khanapur taluka bordering Goa, regarding the contentious 99-year land lease signed with the Maharashtra Academy of Engineering and Educational Research (MAEER), Pune,
Raising doubts about the February 25 extraordinary general body meeting, these Gaunkars have alleged that the resolutions passed during this are dubious as the names of some of the members who were not present for the same have been added as signatories of the resolution.
Extending their support to the agitation by the resident Tivim Gaunkars in Goa against the land being given on lease to MAEER, the Gaunkars from the Upper Ghat region have also alleged that names of many Gaunkars have been systematically kept away, barring them from contesting the December 15 elections for the new committee of the Comunidade.
Augustine Pereira, a Gaunkars of this comunidade who has been spearheading the awareness movement in this region since over a decade, claimed that the last date to register the names of able components for eligibility to contest was kept in wrap and all required procedures were not followed.
“The notification in this regard should have been displayed at all public places including churches and temples. However, this was not done for the reason best known to authorities concerned,” Pereira said.
He also strongly objected to the inclusion of his name in the February 25 general body meeting.
“I was shocked to see my name appear in the list of attendees of this meeting, whereas I was in Mumbai that day,” Pereira said raising doubts about the very authenticity of this meeting.
He also said that the amount of Rs 25 lakh rental per annum being levied to MAEER is literally peanuts.
“It is shocking to see a huge chunk of land measuring over 2 lakh sq. mtrs was leased out this educational institution and that too, on a perpetual lease. What made the present committee to do so without creating sufficient awareness and seeking a clear opinion of all the Gaunkars?” Augustine Pereira questioned.
Raising suspicions about the lease agreement with MAEER, Francis D’Mello appealed that Tivim Gaunkars should be united against the same and find the truth as to what made the current committee to execute the agreement in such a haste.
