It is reported that the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant took exception to the sit-in protest at TCP Minister Rane’s residence in Dona Paula, also stating that people should use proper forums and as this matter is in court people should pursue it there. The problem is scrapping of 39A can only be done by the government and what is in court is the implementation. The Opposition laments that when this amendment was passed in the Assembly, they were told when they objected to it that it would help the locals convert their orchard lands. This was then used to convert vast land tracks arbitrarily in the name of zone change, agricultural lands, hills, NDZ converted without any discussion, panchayat or local people’s concern. Several villages are now coming on the streets in peaceful protest like Siridao, Savarde, Siolim-Marna and spreading. The “Enough is Enough” movement is backed by eminent jurists. It appears the government wants to tell people how and what is acceptable by arresting and criminalising democratic peaceful, non-violent dissent. The Goa government must show the way for sustainable development.
