CANACONA
Demanding justice for the locals of Melauli who have been opposing the IIT project, the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) said it was studying the issue carefully and will disclose its stand shortly.
Speaking to reporters along the sidelines of a news conference on Adarsh Krishi Kharedi Sahakari Saunstha at Chaudi-Canacona, UTAA Chairman and former minister Prakash S Velip said, “Many people in Melauli are from the ST community. The UTAA had set up a team to study the issue to ascertain the various pros and cons and our decision will be revealed in the next two days.”
“We also know that the State government has taken a strong stand against the locals. We are of the view that the people of Melauli must get justice, but at the same time Goa should not lose the IIT campus,” said Velip.
He told reporters that UTAA has been interacting with the local MLA, minister concerned and the chief minister in the matter.
Incidentally, Velip had visited Shel-Melauli on January 7 and had interacted with the protesting locals, appealing to them to withdraw their agitation against the IIT as it is an education project which would also help develop the area and offer many facilities.
Locals, however, refused to entertain his pleas and said they would go ahead with their agitation to save their livelihood.
