Valpoi
The Sattari Front on Sunday raised questions about the imposition of Section 144 in Sattari, following an attempt to create awareness about the Mhadei issue in the taluka.
They warned that the Sattari taluka will be the first to be affected if the Mhadei river water is diverted.
Calling it unfortunate, the group alleged that the padayatra planned through the 'Together For Mhadei Movement' for public awareness in Sattari taluka has been blocked by the government through Section 144.
They also questioned if the padayatra was objectionable and whether an individual was independent in Sattari taluka.
The press conference was addressed by social workers Hanumant Parab, Ranjit Rane, Adv Ganpat Gaokar and Gaurish Gawas.
Hanumant Parab said that the Congress government had completely turned its back on the issue.
"After the Parrikar government came to power, the work on the protection of the Mhadei river began in earnest. Currently, there is a crisis."
Hanumant Parab said it is unfortunate that the issue is still not taken seriously in Sattari.
"The sarpanchas of Sattari taluka are ignorant. A total of three panchayats of Sattari taluka have passed resolutions against the Mhadei water diversion. But surprisingly, the same panchayats have submitted a letter opposing the padayatra," he said.
Hanumant also demanded to take steps to protect the Mhadei river for Goans.
Social activist Ranjit Rane while speaking at the press conference raised the question of freedom in Sattari taluka.
"The 'Together For Mhadei Movement' had started a padayatra yatra in the Sattari taluka. The said yatra was blocked by misusing the government system. Was it really necessary to impose Section 144 in Sattari taluka due to a planned padayatra?" he questioned.
"We live in a democracy. It is our fundamental right to protest," he added, alleging that the government is taking away this right.
"Don't take the people of Sattari taluka for granted. Earlier, a violent agitation was raised due to the IIT project," he warned, adding that due to the protest, the government had to cancel the planned project.
Rane also slammed the sarpanchas, panchas of Sattari taluka for their move to thwart the padayatra.
