the goan I network
MARGAO
The United Tribals Association Alliance (UTAA) has called for the inclusion of the sacrifices made by tribal activists, Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip, both of whom had died in the UTAA agitation at Balli, in the school history books.
The tribal organization will make a formal request to the government after the election code of conduct is lifted later next week and after the matter is deliberated with Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gawde.
Addressing the media on Saturday, UTAA chief Prakash Velip said that both Manguesh and Dilip had died while fighting for a social cause and for rights which were guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. “History books are replete with chapters on the sacrifices of freedom fighters and how these individuals had fought for the cause of the nation. Here is a case wherein these two young tribal leaders were martyred while fighting for a social cause and for rights guaranteed under the Constitution,” Velip said. He said inclusion of the sacrifices made by the young tribal leaders will help many a youngster to emulate their lives for the cause of the society.
Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip were found dead in the Achal cashew factory when it was set on fire by miscreants in the Balli agitation eight years ago.
Velip said the government has already recognized the sacrifices made by Manguesh and Dilip by instituting rewards in the fields of education and culture after these two young leaders.
Addressing the media, the UTAA chief said the Department of Tribal Welfare and UTAA will jointly organize the eighth Prerna Diwas next Saturday to mark the day when both Manguesh and Dilip had died in the Balli agitation.
The programme, which will be held at Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem, coming Saturday, will be attended by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gawde. “This is the eighth year we will be commemorating Prerna day. Preparations across the talukas are underway to make the programme a grand success,” he added.
To a question, Velip said UTAA had opposed the Goa University’s job recruitment advertisement compromising on domicile, saying the move would have gone against the tribal community, while
thanking the authorities for withdrawing the advertisement.
To another question, he said UTAA continues to play its role in the matter of clearing backlog of vacancies, besides promotions for the tribal community candidates. He said the Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gawde is also doing follow-up with the two dozen-odd departments for the utilisation of funds allotted under the tribal sub-plan.
