OLD GOA
A pall of gloom descended at the site of the Old Goa fast satyagraha after one of the participants died in a mishap on Wednesday night.
The Old Goa police informed that Nicholas Nazario Fernandes had parked his car on one side of the road and crossed over to the other side to fetch groceries.
“When he was returning to his car, he was hit by a two-wheeler and was badly injured. Fernandes along with the two-wheeler rider and the pillion were shifted to the GMC hospital in the ambulance, where Fernandes succumbed to his injuries,” the police informed.
Old Goa PSI Kunal Naik is conducting further investigations into the incident.
Meanwhile, the loss of Fernandes has shocked members of the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) as well as the other participants who are participating in the fast satyagraha at Old Goa for the past 79 days.
Speaking to The Goan, SOGAC Treasurer Hugo Gonsalves said the death of Fernandes has caused deep pain to the committee members as well as those participating in the satyagraha.
“He was like a family member, and his death has shocked us as, till yesterday, he participated in the satyagraha. I am at a loss of words to describe the feeling as we have lost someone who was associated with us for a very long time,” Gonsalves stated.
Activist Anthony D’Silva also expressed sadness over the sudden demise of Fernandes and heaped praises on him for participating in the fast satyagraha despite his old age.
“I am hurt with the sad and untimely demise of Fernandes who was a strong pillar of support in our fight against the illegal structure. I have no words to say as, till yesterday, he was with us at the satyagraha,” D’Silva said.
”We have lost someone who was part of the fight in the bigger interest of Goa. We will never forget his contribution to the cause. His participation in showing solidarity with all of us will be always remembered,” he added.
