MARGAO
In a major development aimed at keeping at bay villagers protesting against the IIT project at Sanguem, South Goa district Magistrate Jyoti Kumari on Tuesday issued an order under Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting the assembly and gathering of five or more people within a perimeter 200 meters from the demarcated site at Cotarli.
The order has warned that any person contravening this order shall be liable for punishment under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. The Order shall come into force with immediate effect.
The Magistrate’s action has come following a letter received from the Superintendent of Police, South Goa, submitting that the Government is proposing to setting up permanent Campus of IIT-Goa (IIT-G) at village Cotarli in Sanguem Taluka and the Government has identified Survey No.21/1, the said land is recorded in the name of the Government of Goa in the revenue records.
The SP, South submitted that the villagers should be refrained from gathering for their agitation/ meeting or any other obstructive purpose at the Government land i.e. survey number 21/1 of village Cotarli of Sanguem Taluka and also at the land adjoining to the proposed IIT site in Uguem village Panchayat arca Sanguem Taluka and village Nagoa - Molkornem of Quepem Taluka and also in the jurisdiction of Sanguem Municipal area.
Saying that the SP, South brought to her notice that there is every apprehension that people may resort to violence and may create law and order situation and disturbance of peace and tranquillity in the area, the district Magistrate stated in her order that it is necessary to take exigent measures in this regard so as to prevent any danger to human life or safety and security of public property and which may affect the overall security and may create disturbance of larger public order.
