OLD GOA
Heritage lovers have welcomed the strong message delivered by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao at the Feast Mass of St Francis Xavier.
Welcoming the statement, Aruna Wagh said, “I welcome the statement and am highly overwhelmed and emotional that the highest authority of the Church in Goa has taken cognisance of the case and stood by the heritage village of Old Goa.”
On his part, activist Anthony D’Silva said the archbishop’s message will serve as a perfect boost for them.
“The archbishop’s message will serve as a perfect boost for us and the picture has become more clear. It is high time that the government falls in line and demolishes the structure,” D’Silva said.
Ana Gracias, who has been on fast satyagraha for the past 10 days, expressed happiness that the archbishop chose the Feast Day to come out openly in support of their agitation.
“It will now put more pressure on authorities and the government to act in the matter,” Gracias added.
Meanwhile, the fast satyagrahis have expressed fears that some political parties are trying to hijack the people-centric movement.
“We have got support from all political parties. But some of them are trying to hijack the people’s movement for their personal gains. But, the people of Goa are wise enough to judge the real intentions of such parties,” Aruna Wagh said.
Meanwhile, The Goan has learnt through a source that heritage lovers are likely to move their fast satyagraha from the current location to the precincts of St Cajetan Church.
“Once there, nobody with political motives will be allowed to participate,” the source added.
