MLA Jit Arolkar has raised an important issue in the assembly regarding Bhatkars harassing Mundkars in Goa. The ongoing Mundkar cases in the Mamlatdar courts are not getting justice. Mundkars are forced to attend court hearings every month, only to be given new hearing dates that stretch on for years without resolution. Despite repeated assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the Legislative Assembly that these cases would be taken seriously, there has been no progress.
The Bhatkars continue to harass the Mundkars, and the irony is that most of the Bhatkars don't even have sale deed papers for the land they claim as their own. Mundkars, who wish to preserve their mud houses by rebuilding them with stronger structures for their families, are being obstructed. The Bhatkars, hoping for the houses to collapse during the rains, aim to throw the Mundkars out and sell the land to builders and real estate interests for profit.
Some of the Bhatkars' families are larger and fight over land shares, but thanks to the Niz Goenkar Bhatkars, who understand the issue, 20 per cent of the cases are solved. However, the bigger question remains: how did these Bhatkars acquire such vast landholdings in the villages? Many have become landowners by harassing the Mundkars, who have lived on the land for generations.
In these cases, only the advocates benefit, while Mundkars bear the financial burden of expensive court fees, transportation, and lost time. The prolonged legal process also causes health issues for elderly Mundkars. To ensure justice is delivered in these cases, the State government must take swift action and resolve the Mundkarial disputes on a fast-track basis.
