MARGAO
The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan has slammed Subhash Velingkar has opposing the inclusion of Romi Konknni in the Official Language Act.
GRLA President Kennedy Afonso has said that Velingkar is openly opposing the inclusion of Romi Konknni in the Official language Act (OLA), probably to polarise voters on the language issue to suit his political masters.
“Elections are fast approaching in Goa, and time and time again, Subhas Velingkar has been used by the Communal parties of Goa (BJP , MGP) , to ignite the communal fires, and divide the people of Goa , by making unneccesary statements”, Kennedy said.
He reminded Velingkar that Konknni has already been declared as the sole official language of Goa.
“On this issue there will be no further debate, and in the years to come only Konknni will remain as the sole official language of Goa. The official language Act also stipulates that Marathi will be used for all official purposes, hence there is no question of making Marathi also as official language of Goa. Velingkar should stop dreaming about it”, he said.
Kennedy, however, said that while drafting the official language Act, injustice has been done to Roman Script Konknni, and Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan will fight to give Roman Script its rightful place in the Official language Act ,and to be taught in the schools of Goa.
“People of Goa will not be fooled by your tirade, time and time again, as people from both communities agree that an injustice has been done to Roman Script for last 36 years, and this needs to be corrected. Only a few communal fanatics like Velingkar are opposing the inclusion of Romi Konknni in the Official language Act”, he added.
