The state government has gone through the motions of 'suspending' (not 'revoking') zone changes done under the infamous section 39A in St Andre constituency. It is pertinent to note that the scale of St Andre's land conversions is nothing compared to the conversions in Old Goa (1,68,121 sq.mts.), Tivim (1,02,900 sq.mts.), Corgao (93,810 sq.mts.) and other areas. A scrutiny of the reclassification reveals that what was introduced as a mechanism for 'minor' corrections has turned into slaughter of Goa's land. The government has executed a strategic retreat saying that the matter shall be taken to the assembly and a final decision arrived. The state has also filed FIRs against Viresh Borkar, Swapnesh Sherlekar and even tribal and old women who were part of the agitation. The Sawant sarkar is trying every dirty trick in it's book to paint the protestors as criminals. The battle has been won but the war is far from over. Not one MLA from the ruling party has acknowledged that section 39A has ruined Goa. We need to be ever vigilant and not let the government succeed in it's nefarious designs.
