The Bethora-Nirankal-Conxem-Codar village panchayat in Ponda passed a resolution to oppose new water connections in its jurisdiction to any prospective Kannadigas that would want to live in the area. This move has come against the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on the Mhadei dispute. Shah revealed that the Karnataka government had taken the Goa government into confidence to divert the water that will benefit farmers from several districts in the neighbouring State. At the gram sabha, the locals forced the panchayat to reject the issuance of no-objection certificates to Kannadigas which is mandatory to establish a water connection until Karnataka stops the diversion. The resolution passed by the Bethora-Nirankal-Conxem-Codar VP is a dangerous move and can set a bad precedent. The ongoing dispute cannot be attributed to the common man and the Bethora VP's resolution will not help in finding an amicable solution. The locals should focus their anger on the government rather than create a further divide between the people.
