MARGAO
United Tribal Alliance Association (UTAA) Chief Prakash Velip has termed the passage of the Bill on political reservations for the Goan Scheduled Tribes as a best tribute for the two tribal youth Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip who had sacrificed their lives in the 2011 Balli agitation.
Saying the political reservations for the ST communities has finally come after a long drawn stuggle, Prakash Velip congratulated and thanked all those who had supported the demand for political reservations including the UTAA and tribal organisations.
“It was after a long drawn struggle that the political reservations for the STs will finally become a reality. As president of UTA, I feel this is the best gift for Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the scheduled tribes”, he added.
Prakash Velip has expressed the hope that the authorities, including the Election Commission will set in motion the process to notify and reserve the four Assembly constituencies for the ST communities so that the benefits of the reservation goes to the STs in the 2027 Assembly election. “For the first time post-Liberation, four Assembly seats will be reserved for the scheduled Tribes communities’, he added.
