It's been an eventful week since the 21st when we met at Holy Spirit Church Margao .
Geraldine Fernandes has taken the first step by extending support under GGRM to the Nuvem anti mega project cause .This has however not gone very well with the Sarpanch of Nuvem who had made a complaint to the police that she trespassed at the Panchaat used the Panchayat phone to threaten him. A case has since been registered against her.
On Thursday a group of GGRM activist namely Geraldine ,Paul Fernandes ,Solon ,Alvito and the undersigned went to the Margao police station to support the villagers from Davodem Margao who had come to protest . Damodar one of the anti mega housing activist that had been beaten up by the builder lobby while the local councillor did nothing. While the SP was hearing the people well over a 100, the Councillor walked in saying he would not take a seat unless the outsiders referring to us were asked to leave .The crowd got furious at the GGRM persons being called outsiders, seeing this he left.
Its ironical that while a man is beaten and in hospital a case is yet to be registered and the persons who have done this roam free, while Geraldine has been accused and a case registered on the basis of using the Panchayat phone and talking over the phone to the Sarpanch by a lady is referred to as a threat!!.
The SP Margao referred to GGRM by telling the people of Davodem that they must listen to their leaders [GGRM ] If the moment was not so tense I would have told them that we are not leaders but we GGRM, are supporting each other in our struggle for a better Goa .making us leaders sounds more political which we are not .
Varca Fatrade villagers held a meeting and a press conference at the site where a proposed football ground is due in what is fertile land lush with paddy to be harvested .If the ground comes up over 14,000 sq feet of land will be acquired and filled the remaining paddy fields as well will be affected .Villagers of neighbouring Orlim joined them in support.
Its sad that each day at least a minimum of 2 pages are devoted of the news paper to some protest or the other but this it seems is of little consequence to our elected representatives be it at the Panchayat or in the State Government .
Lots of calls as to what is happening as GGRM has not yet given any formal press release as discussed till date since the 21st Sept.
Must say a big thank you to Ranjan Solomon who put together a super presentation which was accepted with a few suggestions and contribution .If not we would have spent a lot of time perhaps days on the matter .Thank you!!
Kindly advise if the memorandum is ready if its not to be given out as this will take the 'Wind out of the sail 'then please note and accept any suggestion that you may think fit to add one such has been put forward by Alvito from Colva that we must make mention that the Comumidade land is to be preserved and not sold or acquired to facitalitate the builder lobby.
Cell /Tel Numbers
Alvito Colva -9890557167
Franky Davidem 9890265256
Geraldine GGRM Convenor 9822146420
Paul Fernandes GGRM Pilerne 997091225
Fr Bismark 9923040360
Ida Couthinho Orlim Gaum Rakhon Manch 2744368
Jason Fernandes Taligaon Bacho Abhiyan 9764324074
Orland Carmona 9823491364
Peter Fernandes Pilerne 9860755207
Seby Siolim 9923336347
Soter 9890056616
Please add to the above list .
Looking forward to seeing bus loads from each village in Panjim on 1st Oct by 9:30 am .Please co ordinate with neighbouring villages if the required numbers are not met then perhaps they can combine and come to Panjim in one bus .Please mobilize the crowd we need to be heard .
Till the 1st Oct 2008 keep well !!
Kim Miranda
Secretary GGRM
Cell 9422443855
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Mob violence in Benaulim:BVAC denies involvement
HERALD REPORTER, Margao, Sept 17 –
The Benaulim Villagers Action Committee (BVAC) – spearheading the anti-mega housing stir – has vehemently denied the involvement of any of its activists or any villager in the attack on the houses of Benaulim Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes and Panch member Xavier Pereira.
BVAC Chairperson Geraldine Fernandes told Herald that she and other activists had dropped all the people to their houses by midnight after returning from the police station. “There’s no question of any BVAC activist of Benaulim villager involved in the attack. Even the Parish Priest Fr Anthony Vaz ensured that everyone was dropped home by 12 pm. So, the question of any villager or activist involved in the attack is ruled out”, she asserted.
In fact, she said this is again a ploy by the Sarpanch and the police to implicate innocent villagers in the attack. Asked who could have carried out the attack on the houses, Geraldine said it could be that it was done on purpose just to file false cases and frighten the agitators.
The Benaulim Villagers Action Committee (BVAC) – spearheading the anti-mega housing stir – has vehemently denied the involvement of any of its activists or any villager in the attack on the houses of Benaulim Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes and Panch member Xavier Pereira.
BVAC Chairperson Geraldine Fernandes told Herald that she and other activists had dropped all the people to their houses by midnight after returning from the police station. “There’s no question of any BVAC activist of Benaulim villager involved in the attack. Even the Parish Priest Fr Anthony Vaz ensured that everyone was dropped home by 12 pm. So, the question of any villager or activist involved in the attack is ruled out”, she asserted.
In fact, she said this is again a ploy by the Sarpanch and the police to implicate innocent villagers in the attack. Asked who could have carried out the attack on the houses, Geraldine said it could be that it was done on purpose just to file false cases and frighten the agitators.
PI Edwin Colaco apologises BUT does not accept blame
PI says sorry as Benaulim still simmers
18 Sep 2008, 0050 hrs IST,TNN
... Meanwhile, Colva police inspector Edwin Colaco on Wednesday evening tendered an apology to the parish priest of the Holy Trinity Church Benaulim, Fr Anthony Vaz, for any inconvenience that might have been caused to the parishioners on account of police action on Monday.
On Tuesday evening, PI Colaco and his men had stopped buses at Cortalim junction to find out whether the persons named in an earlier FIR were among the villagers returning from Panaji after attending a peace rally. The FIR was against villagers who had disrupted a panchayat meeting on Monday.
The Benaulim Villagers Action Committee (BVAC) and the parishioners had demanded an apology from the police officer for what they termed his “high-handedness” in arresting the accused in such a “brazen” manner.
Stating that the police had not the slightest intention of causing any inconvenience to the parishioners, leave alone any physical harm, PI Colaco said that the move was just a “verification exercise” by the police. “If at all any inconvenience is caused to the parishioners, then I, on behalf of my officers and men, tender sincere apologies to you,” he said in a letter.
However, BVAC leader Geraldine Fernandes appeared dissatisfied with the apology, “We are not at all happy with the contents of the letter. The PI has not accepted any blame for his actions.” She told TOI that the villagers will soon meet to decide their future course of action.
When contacted, PI Edwin Colaco said he tendered the apology bowing to the demands of the parishioners only to avoid any stand-off with the villagers. “I can only say that Tuesday’s exercise by my men was according to the provisions of the law,” he said.
Even as the police have started an inquiry into the manner in which Colva PI Edwin Colaco acted on Tuesday, human rights activists in the state have condemned the police for their high-handed behaviour and have demanded strict action against the police officer for the illegal action.
Colaco had forced Benaulim villagers returning from Tuesday’s solidarity rally in Panaji to get down from their buses at Cortalim junction and taken two of them into custody. They were later freed as villagers laid siege to Colva police station. SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “DySP Umesh Gaonkar would conduct an inquiry into the way in which PI Colaco handled the issue.”
Father Maverick Fernandes, Executive Secretary, Council for Social Justice and Peace said, “The law needs to be implemented in a proper manner. What do you do when the protectors of law break the law and harass people. It was apparently another effort to intimidate citizens who are struggling to protect their rights.”
Police officials admitted that while a police officer could search for an accused beyond his jurisdiction, the manner in which PI Colaco behaved, without informing his senior officers, was not correct.
“What the police did was absolutely wrong and illegal. The PI had absolutely no right to stop buses on the highway and trouble ordinary citizens, on the pretext of arresting a few accused. Moreover, is the crime of the people wanted by the police so large that the police behave in such an unwarranted manner and troubles people who are fighting for their rights? Strict action should be taken against such an officer,” said Human Rights Monitoring Society member Cyril Fernandes.
The incident has reportedly been viewed as a case of hurried decision by the police inspector. The DGP held a meeting of the south Goa SP and DySP on Wednesday afternoon and asked for a report. Incidentally, even senior police officers are perplexed at the manner in which the PI has acted. Top police officials informed that the PI had neither sought the SP nor the SDPO’s permission before halting buses on the highway. “The situation would have gone out of hand if the SDPOs from Margao and Vasco had not arrived at the spot and interacted with the angry crowd,” added a top police official.
Meanwhile, Benaulim Villagers Action Committee leader Geraldine Fernandes has termed the complaint lodged by sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes and Xavier Pereira against the villagers for damaging their properties “fabricated” and aimed at “tarnishing the image of the BVAC”.
“All of us were there at Colva police station well past midnight. Besides, it was raining heavily at that time. Moreover, it would require some time for anybody to mobilize a crowd of over 100 as alleged and march towards her house. This is just a ploy to tarnish our image,” Geraldine said.
(for full story http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Goa/PI_says_sorry_as_Benaulim_still_simmers/articleshow/3495891.cms)
18 Sep 2008, 0050 hrs IST,TNN
... Meanwhile, Colva police inspector Edwin Colaco on Wednesday evening tendered an apology to the parish priest of the Holy Trinity Church Benaulim, Fr Anthony Vaz, for any inconvenience that might have been caused to the parishioners on account of police action on Monday.
On Tuesday evening, PI Colaco and his men had stopped buses at Cortalim junction to find out whether the persons named in an earlier FIR were among the villagers returning from Panaji after attending a peace rally. The FIR was against villagers who had disrupted a panchayat meeting on Monday.
The Benaulim Villagers Action Committee (BVAC) and the parishioners had demanded an apology from the police officer for what they termed his “high-handedness” in arresting the accused in such a “brazen” manner.
Stating that the police had not the slightest intention of causing any inconvenience to the parishioners, leave alone any physical harm, PI Colaco said that the move was just a “verification exercise” by the police. “If at all any inconvenience is caused to the parishioners, then I, on behalf of my officers and men, tender sincere apologies to you,” he said in a letter.
However, BVAC leader Geraldine Fernandes appeared dissatisfied with the apology, “We are not at all happy with the contents of the letter. The PI has not accepted any blame for his actions.” She told TOI that the villagers will soon meet to decide their future course of action.
When contacted, PI Edwin Colaco said he tendered the apology bowing to the demands of the parishioners only to avoid any stand-off with the villagers. “I can only say that Tuesday’s exercise by my men was according to the provisions of the law,” he said.
Even as the police have started an inquiry into the manner in which Colva PI Edwin Colaco acted on Tuesday, human rights activists in the state have condemned the police for their high-handed behaviour and have demanded strict action against the police officer for the illegal action.
Colaco had forced Benaulim villagers returning from Tuesday’s solidarity rally in Panaji to get down from their buses at Cortalim junction and taken two of them into custody. They were later freed as villagers laid siege to Colva police station. SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “DySP Umesh Gaonkar would conduct an inquiry into the way in which PI Colaco handled the issue.”
Father Maverick Fernandes, Executive Secretary, Council for Social Justice and Peace said, “The law needs to be implemented in a proper manner. What do you do when the protectors of law break the law and harass people. It was apparently another effort to intimidate citizens who are struggling to protect their rights.”
Police officials admitted that while a police officer could search for an accused beyond his jurisdiction, the manner in which PI Colaco behaved, without informing his senior officers, was not correct.
“What the police did was absolutely wrong and illegal. The PI had absolutely no right to stop buses on the highway and trouble ordinary citizens, on the pretext of arresting a few accused. Moreover, is the crime of the people wanted by the police so large that the police behave in such an unwarranted manner and troubles people who are fighting for their rights? Strict action should be taken against such an officer,” said Human Rights Monitoring Society member Cyril Fernandes.
The incident has reportedly been viewed as a case of hurried decision by the police inspector. The DGP held a meeting of the south Goa SP and DySP on Wednesday afternoon and asked for a report. Incidentally, even senior police officers are perplexed at the manner in which the PI has acted. Top police officials informed that the PI had neither sought the SP nor the SDPO’s permission before halting buses on the highway. “The situation would have gone out of hand if the SDPOs from Margao and Vasco had not arrived at the spot and interacted with the angry crowd,” added a top police official.
Meanwhile, Benaulim Villagers Action Committee leader Geraldine Fernandes has termed the complaint lodged by sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes and Xavier Pereira against the villagers for damaging their properties “fabricated” and aimed at “tarnishing the image of the BVAC”.
“All of us were there at Colva police station well past midnight. Besides, it was raining heavily at that time. Moreover, it would require some time for anybody to mobilize a crowd of over 100 as alleged and march towards her house. This is just a ploy to tarnish our image,” Geraldine said.
(for full story http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Goa/PI_says_sorry_as_Benaulim_still_simmers/articleshow/3495891.cms)
Futile bid by police to intercept Benaulim villagers
NT NETWORK
MARGAO-
Benaulim remained tense late on Tuesday evening following an attempt by the Colva police to arrest Benaulim villagers by intercepting them near Zuari bridge as they were returning from the protest meeting to condemn the violence against Christians in various parts of the country, following complaints from the sarpanch, Ms Carmelin Fernandes and a panch member, Mr Xavier Pereira on Monday.
The situation was also tense at Cortalim as the Colva police led by PI Mr Edwin Colaco tried to arrest the people by intercepting the buses as they were returning back from Panaji. The tense situation led the police to call for re-enforcements from Margao and Vasco police stations.
The police were on the look out for 33 people in connection with the case. The SDPO, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar confirmed that no arrests were made, however one person, Diago D?Silva was arrested in connection of a rioting earlier on Tuesday and was later released.
Later, the focus turned toward the Colva police as hundreds of angry villagers including women and children assembled outside the police station and demanded that the charges be dropped against whom the case has been registered. The SDPO Margao also rushed to the Colva police station in order to handle the situation as there was commotion and tension, even as rumours made rounds that 35 people were arrested. The people were also shouting anti-police slogans outside the police station.
According to the sources in police, five buses from Benaulim had gone to Panaji for the public meeting when the Colva police stopped the buses at Cortalim junction and made an attempt to locate some of the accused wanted for forming unlawful assembly, rioting at Benaulim on Monday at the panchayat office.
Earlier, two sub-divisional police officers from Vasco and Margao and other staff was pressed into service to control the agitated crowd which demanded inquiry into the incident. At the time of going to press, the situation in Benaulim was under control.
Vasco bureau adds: Vehicular traffic leading to Vasco and Margao from Panaji was blocked for nearly two and half hours at the Zuari bridge at Cortalim during late evening on Tuesday by the supporters who participated in the protest meet held at Panaji condemning the violence in Orissa.
According to the information, the Colva PI, Mr Edwin Colaco had a list of the 33 people involved in the unlawful assembly, rioting and assault case which was registered in the Colva police jurisdiction. Suspecting that the accused were travelling in the bus after attending the protest meet at Panaji on Tuesday evening, the Colva police stopped the buses at the Zuari bridge at around 7.30 p.m. for check-up. This lead to commotion and the villagers from Benaulim got annoyed. The vehicular traffic on this stretch was totally disrupted for about two and half hours.
When contacted the deputy superintendent of police, Vasco, Mr Deu Benaulikar informed that he reached the site at Cortalim along with Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo and deputy superintendent of police, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar and brought the situation under control.
When questioned whether the Colva PI, Mr Colaco acted as per the rules in the jurisdiction of the Verna police station, Mr Benaulikar said that it was wrong on the part of Colva PI, Mr Colaco interfering in some other police jurisdiction and that he should have first informed the Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo before initiating any crucial step. Mr Benaulikar assured the agitators to resolve the issue and thereafter the villagers dispersed from the blocked road at around 9.45 p.m.
MARGAO-
Benaulim remained tense late on Tuesday evening following an attempt by the Colva police to arrest Benaulim villagers by intercepting them near Zuari bridge as they were returning from the protest meeting to condemn the violence against Christians in various parts of the country, following complaints from the sarpanch, Ms Carmelin Fernandes and a panch member, Mr Xavier Pereira on Monday.
The situation was also tense at Cortalim as the Colva police led by PI Mr Edwin Colaco tried to arrest the people by intercepting the buses as they were returning back from Panaji. The tense situation led the police to call for re-enforcements from Margao and Vasco police stations.
The police were on the look out for 33 people in connection with the case. The SDPO, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar confirmed that no arrests were made, however one person, Diago D?Silva was arrested in connection of a rioting earlier on Tuesday and was later released.
Later, the focus turned toward the Colva police as hundreds of angry villagers including women and children assembled outside the police station and demanded that the charges be dropped against whom the case has been registered. The SDPO Margao also rushed to the Colva police station in order to handle the situation as there was commotion and tension, even as rumours made rounds that 35 people were arrested. The people were also shouting anti-police slogans outside the police station.
According to the sources in police, five buses from Benaulim had gone to Panaji for the public meeting when the Colva police stopped the buses at Cortalim junction and made an attempt to locate some of the accused wanted for forming unlawful assembly, rioting at Benaulim on Monday at the panchayat office.
Earlier, two sub-divisional police officers from Vasco and Margao and other staff was pressed into service to control the agitated crowd which demanded inquiry into the incident. At the time of going to press, the situation in Benaulim was under control.
Vasco bureau adds: Vehicular traffic leading to Vasco and Margao from Panaji was blocked for nearly two and half hours at the Zuari bridge at Cortalim during late evening on Tuesday by the supporters who participated in the protest meet held at Panaji condemning the violence in Orissa.
According to the information, the Colva PI, Mr Edwin Colaco had a list of the 33 people involved in the unlawful assembly, rioting and assault case which was registered in the Colva police jurisdiction. Suspecting that the accused were travelling in the bus after attending the protest meet at Panaji on Tuesday evening, the Colva police stopped the buses at the Zuari bridge at around 7.30 p.m. for check-up. This lead to commotion and the villagers from Benaulim got annoyed. The vehicular traffic on this stretch was totally disrupted for about two and half hours.
When contacted the deputy superintendent of police, Vasco, Mr Deu Benaulikar informed that he reached the site at Cortalim along with Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo and deputy superintendent of police, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar and brought the situation under control.
When questioned whether the Colva PI, Mr Colaco acted as per the rules in the jurisdiction of the Verna police station, Mr Benaulikar said that it was wrong on the part of Colva PI, Mr Colaco interfering in some other police jurisdiction and that he should have first informed the Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo before initiating any crucial step. Mr Benaulikar assured the agitators to resolve the issue and thereafter the villagers dispersed from the blocked road at around 9.45 p.m.
Futile bid by police to intercept Benaulim villagers
NT NETWORK
MARGAO-
Benaulim remained tense late on Tuesday evening following an attempt by the Colva police to arrest Benaulim villagers by intercepting them near Zuari bridge as they were returning from the protest meeting to condemn the violence against Christians in various parts of the country, following complaints from the sarpanch, Ms Carmelin Fernandes and a panch member, Mr Xavier Pereira on Monday.
The situation was also tense at Cortalim as the Colva police led by PI Mr Edwin Colaco tried to arrest the people by intercepting the buses as they were returning back from Panaji. The tense situation led the police to call for re-enforcements from Margao and Vasco police stations.
The police were on the look out for 33 people in connection with the case. The SDPO, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar confirmed that no arrests were made, however one person, Diago D?Silva was arrested in connection of a rioting earlier on Tuesday and was later released.
Later, the focus turned toward the Colva police as hundreds of angry villagers including women and children assembled outside the police station and demanded that the charges be dropped against whom the case has been registered. The SDPO Margao also rushed to the Colva police station in order to handle the situation as there was commotion and tension, even as rumours made rounds that 35 people were arrested. The people were also shouting anti-police slogans outside the police station.
According to the sources in police, five buses from Benaulim had gone to Panaji for the public meeting when the Colva police stopped the buses at Cortalim junction and made an attempt to locate some of the accused wanted for forming unlawful assembly, rioting at Benaulim on Monday at the panchayat office.
Earlier, two sub-divisional police officers from Vasco and Margao and other staff was pressed into service to control the agitated crowd which demanded inquiry into the incident. At the time of going to press, the situation in Benaulim was under control.
Vasco bureau adds: Vehicular traffic leading to Vasco and Margao from Panaji was blocked for nearly two and half hours at the Zuari bridge at Cortalim during late evening on Tuesday by the supporters who participated in the protest meet held at Panaji condemning the violence in Orissa.
According to the information, the Colva PI, Mr Edwin Colaco had a list of the 33 people involved in the unlawful assembly, rioting and assault case which was registered in the Colva police jurisdiction. Suspecting that the accused were travelling in the bus after attending the protest meet at Panaji on Tuesday evening, the Colva police stopped the buses at the Zuari bridge at around 7.30 p.m. for check-up. This lead to commotion and the villagers from Benaulim got annoyed. The vehicular traffic on this stretch was totally disrupted for about two and half hours.
When contacted the deputy superintendent of police, Vasco, Mr Deu Benaulikar informed that he reached the site at Cortalim along with Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo and deputy superintendent of police, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar and brought the situation under control.
When questioned whether the Colva PI, Mr Colaco acted as per the rules in the jurisdiction of the Verna police station, Mr Benaulikar said that it was wrong on the part of Colva PI, Mr Colaco interfering in some other police jurisdiction and that he should have first informed the Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo before initiating any crucial step. Mr Benaulikar assured the agitators to resolve the issue and thereafter the villagers dispersed from the blocked road at around 9.45 p.m.
MARGAO-
Benaulim remained tense late on Tuesday evening following an attempt by the Colva police to arrest Benaulim villagers by intercepting them near Zuari bridge as they were returning from the protest meeting to condemn the violence against Christians in various parts of the country, following complaints from the sarpanch, Ms Carmelin Fernandes and a panch member, Mr Xavier Pereira on Monday.
The situation was also tense at Cortalim as the Colva police led by PI Mr Edwin Colaco tried to arrest the people by intercepting the buses as they were returning back from Panaji. The tense situation led the police to call for re-enforcements from Margao and Vasco police stations.
The police were on the look out for 33 people in connection with the case. The SDPO, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar confirmed that no arrests were made, however one person, Diago D?Silva was arrested in connection of a rioting earlier on Tuesday and was later released.
Later, the focus turned toward the Colva police as hundreds of angry villagers including women and children assembled outside the police station and demanded that the charges be dropped against whom the case has been registered. The SDPO Margao also rushed to the Colva police station in order to handle the situation as there was commotion and tension, even as rumours made rounds that 35 people were arrested. The people were also shouting anti-police slogans outside the police station.
According to the sources in police, five buses from Benaulim had gone to Panaji for the public meeting when the Colva police stopped the buses at Cortalim junction and made an attempt to locate some of the accused wanted for forming unlawful assembly, rioting at Benaulim on Monday at the panchayat office.
Earlier, two sub-divisional police officers from Vasco and Margao and other staff was pressed into service to control the agitated crowd which demanded inquiry into the incident. At the time of going to press, the situation in Benaulim was under control.
Vasco bureau adds: Vehicular traffic leading to Vasco and Margao from Panaji was blocked for nearly two and half hours at the Zuari bridge at Cortalim during late evening on Tuesday by the supporters who participated in the protest meet held at Panaji condemning the violence in Orissa.
According to the information, the Colva PI, Mr Edwin Colaco had a list of the 33 people involved in the unlawful assembly, rioting and assault case which was registered in the Colva police jurisdiction. Suspecting that the accused were travelling in the bus after attending the protest meet at Panaji on Tuesday evening, the Colva police stopped the buses at the Zuari bridge at around 7.30 p.m. for check-up. This lead to commotion and the villagers from Benaulim got annoyed. The vehicular traffic on this stretch was totally disrupted for about two and half hours.
When contacted the deputy superintendent of police, Vasco, Mr Deu Benaulikar informed that he reached the site at Cortalim along with Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo and deputy superintendent of police, Margao, Mr Umesh Gaonkar and brought the situation under control.
When questioned whether the Colva PI, Mr Colaco acted as per the rules in the jurisdiction of the Verna police station, Mr Benaulikar said that it was wrong on the part of Colva PI, Mr Colaco interfering in some other police jurisdiction and that he should have first informed the Verna PI, Mr Nalasco Raposo before initiating any crucial step. Mr Benaulikar assured the agitators to resolve the issue and thereafter the villagers dispersed from the blocked road at around 9.45 p.m.
Tension runs high at Colva police station
BY HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, SEPT 16 –
Tension prevailed at the Colva police station on Tuesday night when a mob of over 500 angry villagers marched to the police station in protest against the arrest of two activists and stoppage of buses by the police at Cortalim.
The protestors gathered at Maria hall, Benaulim at around 9.30 pm and later marched to the Colva police station, demanding the immediate release of the two activists, arrested and detained at the Verna police station.
Sensing trouble, DySP Umesh Gaonkar rushed to Colva police station and was engaged in discussions with the irate villagers, who questioned the police over registering false cases and arresting two of the activists.
The huge crowd was stopped from entering the police station by DySP Gaonkar and a motley group of policemen.DySP Gaonkar told the crowd that Joaquim D’Silva, who was arrested earlier in the day has been released at Verna on a bail bond. The people, however, demanded the presence of Joaquim and Keith, who too was detained at the Verna police station.
Both Joaquim and Keith were brought to the Colva police station at around 11 pm, but the restless crowd was heard demanding withdrawal of the false cases against 35 activists.
The crowd dispersed from the police station at around 11.30 pm and proceeded towards Maria hall to chalk out the future course of action. They have demanded an apology from the police for the stopping the buses at Cortalim and arresting the activists on false cases. They even threatened to hold a Benaulim bandh if the police failed to withdraw the cases.
Incidentally, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao made his presence felt at the Colva police station at around 11.15 pm and condemned the police action of stopping buses at Cortalim in search of the activists. He and the agitators demanded arrest of the persons, including the panch member, against whom the activists had lodged counter complaints in Monday’s incident at the Panchayat ghar.
Adv Anacleto Viegas, who was at the police station, blamed the Colva police for the tension, which has created a law and order problem. Condemning the police action at Cortalim, Viegas said the police had no right to arrest the activists at Cortalim on false cases.
MARGAO, SEPT 16 –
Tension prevailed at the Colva police station on Tuesday night when a mob of over 500 angry villagers marched to the police station in protest against the arrest of two activists and stoppage of buses by the police at Cortalim.
The protestors gathered at Maria hall, Benaulim at around 9.30 pm and later marched to the Colva police station, demanding the immediate release of the two activists, arrested and detained at the Verna police station.
Sensing trouble, DySP Umesh Gaonkar rushed to Colva police station and was engaged in discussions with the irate villagers, who questioned the police over registering false cases and arresting two of the activists.
The huge crowd was stopped from entering the police station by DySP Gaonkar and a motley group of policemen.DySP Gaonkar told the crowd that Joaquim D’Silva, who was arrested earlier in the day has been released at Verna on a bail bond. The people, however, demanded the presence of Joaquim and Keith, who too was detained at the Verna police station.
Both Joaquim and Keith were brought to the Colva police station at around 11 pm, but the restless crowd was heard demanding withdrawal of the false cases against 35 activists.
The crowd dispersed from the police station at around 11.30 pm and proceeded towards Maria hall to chalk out the future course of action. They have demanded an apology from the police for the stopping the buses at Cortalim and arresting the activists on false cases. They even threatened to hold a Benaulim bandh if the police failed to withdraw the cases.
Incidentally, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao made his presence felt at the Colva police station at around 11.15 pm and condemned the police action of stopping buses at Cortalim in search of the activists. He and the agitators demanded arrest of the persons, including the panch member, against whom the activists had lodged counter complaints in Monday’s incident at the Panchayat ghar.
Adv Anacleto Viegas, who was at the police station, blamed the Colva police for the tension, which has created a law and order problem. Condemning the police action at Cortalim, Viegas said the police had no right to arrest the activists at Cortalim on false cases.
Police take passengers for a ride
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MORMUGAO, SEPT 16 –
Hundreds of villagers from Benaulim were in for a rude shock when six buses transporting them back from a meeting in Panjim were stopped at the Cortalim junction by Colva PI Edwin Colaco.
The villagers had gone to attend to a public meeting against communal violence at the Azad Maidan on Tuesday afternoon. A strong police force and an Indian Reserve Battalion were stationed at Cortalim junction to search for villagers alleged to have stormed the Benaulim panchayat house on Monday.
Incidentally, it is learnt that PI Colaco had not obtained permission from Verna PI Nolasco Raposo – under whose jurisdiction Cortalim is located – and stopped around six buses at the junction to search for the villagers. Mormugao DySP Deu Banavlikar confirmed PI Colaco’s action of overstepping his jurisdiction.
PI Edwin told Herald that two separate cases had been filed against some people from Benaulim for yesterday’s commotion in the panchayat hall. There were people named for assault and damage. “Today when we went to Benaulim to arrest the wanted people we learnt they had gone to Panjim and came to know they were to return in the evening,” he stated.
Some villagers complained that they were harassed at the behest of the politicians and the building lobby for opposing the mega projects in the village. People around the scene suspected a nexus of politicians and building lobby to pressurize the anti-mega housing lobby. Passengers disclosed that police stopped the buses and forcibly confiscated the driver’s licence and asked the people to alight from the buses. Even children and elderly people were not spared, they said.
“We had gone to attend the solidarity rally and on our return, we were stopped by the Colva PI without any reason. Police then took out a list and started searching for some people,” Colva Parish Priest Fr Anthony Vaz told Herald.
Added Geraldine Fernandes, chairperson of Benaulim Villagers Action Committee: “I inquired as to why we were stopped and PI Colaco informed me that he is looking for some terrorists. While our buses were being searched for terrorists, other Karnataka and Kadamba buses were allowed to go without any check.”
“The police is trying to curb the voices of villagers against mega projects as a lot of money is at stake,” Ms Fernandes added.
MORMUGAO, SEPT 16 –
Hundreds of villagers from Benaulim were in for a rude shock when six buses transporting them back from a meeting in Panjim were stopped at the Cortalim junction by Colva PI Edwin Colaco.
The villagers had gone to attend to a public meeting against communal violence at the Azad Maidan on Tuesday afternoon. A strong police force and an Indian Reserve Battalion were stationed at Cortalim junction to search for villagers alleged to have stormed the Benaulim panchayat house on Monday.
Incidentally, it is learnt that PI Colaco had not obtained permission from Verna PI Nolasco Raposo – under whose jurisdiction Cortalim is located – and stopped around six buses at the junction to search for the villagers. Mormugao DySP Deu Banavlikar confirmed PI Colaco’s action of overstepping his jurisdiction.
PI Edwin told Herald that two separate cases had been filed against some people from Benaulim for yesterday’s commotion in the panchayat hall. There were people named for assault and damage. “Today when we went to Benaulim to arrest the wanted people we learnt they had gone to Panjim and came to know they were to return in the evening,” he stated.
Some villagers complained that they were harassed at the behest of the politicians and the building lobby for opposing the mega projects in the village. People around the scene suspected a nexus of politicians and building lobby to pressurize the anti-mega housing lobby. Passengers disclosed that police stopped the buses and forcibly confiscated the driver’s licence and asked the people to alight from the buses. Even children and elderly people were not spared, they said.
“We had gone to attend the solidarity rally and on our return, we were stopped by the Colva PI without any reason. Police then took out a list and started searching for some people,” Colva Parish Priest Fr Anthony Vaz told Herald.
Added Geraldine Fernandes, chairperson of Benaulim Villagers Action Committee: “I inquired as to why we were stopped and PI Colaco informed me that he is looking for some terrorists. While our buses were being searched for terrorists, other Karnataka and Kadamba buses were allowed to go without any check.”
“The police is trying to curb the voices of villagers against mega projects as a lot of money is at stake,” Ms Fernandes added.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sunderlal Bahuguna meets GGRM activists
report compiled by Miguel Braganza
Internationally renowned environmental activist and leader of the"Chipko" movement for the preservation of forests in the Himalayas, Sunderlal Bahuguna, addressed a large gathering organised by the GanvGhor Rakhonn Manch [GGRM] in association with the Centre for Panchayati Raj [CPR-PS] on 3rd September 2008, at Dando ground, Benaulim. He was accompanied by his wife Vimla, noted environmental activist and leader of Karnataka's Appiko movement, Mr. Pandurang Hegde, and others.
Sunderlal Bahuguna released the book by Dr. Sudhirendar Sharma entitled PARADISE LOST... ALMOST. A Prakruti report on the Western Ghats on as is where is basis' in 2006. He also released the fourth issue of PARPOTI [Konkani word for "Village Messenger" who went from street to street to make public announcements when newspapers were not read by many and a radio was a luxury few could afford.] edited bySoter D'Souza for CPR-PS. This issue has one model of a Participatory Planning Process for developing Regional Plan from among the models discussed by the GBA.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bahuguna complimented the people of Goa for leading a struggle that is an inspiration to the people in the rest of India. "It will awaken the children of Bharat Mata to come to her rescue against the relentless onslaught of urbanisation." he said. "Democracy thrives where the people are awakened. It is the people who make democracy live, not governments and elected representatives, he added.
On the Tourism front, Shri Bahuguna informed the people that the Swiss do not sacrifice their environment for their tourism. Switzerland,with its villages and forests is still one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world. People leave their mansions and plush surroundings all over the world to enjoy the natural beauty of Goa. Do not try to provide the tourists the very thing they try to escape from, it will kill tourism, he reminded. Maintain your natural beauty. "Why do you want to cut your nose to own a nose stud?" he asked metaphorically.
Earlier, Smt. Geraldine Fernandes, convener of GGRM and leader ofBVAC, welcomed the gathering and specially thanked the members of the print & electronic media and the Hindu brethren who had come to the meeting in large numbers to listen to Shri Bahuguna, inspite of the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, the family festival in almost every home accross Goa.
Smt. Romana Cardoz from Siridao asked the Government to jail the entire village if it thought the Gram Sabha did any wrong, but not to target with trumped up charges about ten youth who are about to start their careers. Arrest the promoters of the projects at Siridao for disturbing the village peace, she said, naming the persons involved.
Menino de Bandar sang a song on SEZ and "development" being promoted in Goa these days while Shri Teotonio da Costa from Majorda asked the people not to get distracted by the red herring of the script controversy that was raised again in the Goa Legislative Assembly, 16years after its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in 1992. In the market place we are forced to speak Hindi and Kannada as the petty traders do not know to speak Konkani. Let the Goa Government correct that situation first and then speak about the script, he said. The Government is afraid of the people's unity in the Gram Sabha meetings and wants to divide the people on script and religion basis so that it can get away with the rape of Goa's land, he added.
The Chipko movement which literally means 'to stick' (to the trees), spread throughout Uttar Pradesh from 1973 and achieved a major victory in 1980 with a ban on felling of live trees above 1000 metres MSL inthe Himalayan forests by order of India's then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. A similar ban was later also implemented in the states ofUttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. The movement spread to HimachalPradesh in the north, Karnataka in the south, Rajasthan in the west,Bihar in the east and to the Vindhyans in central India. In additionto the ban in Uttar Pradesh, the movement succeeded in halting clear felling in the Western Ghats and the Vindhyas, as well as generating pressure for a natural resources policy more sensitive to people'sneeds and environmental factors. He received the Right To LivelihoodAward in 1987.
Fr. Maverick Fernandes of CSJP, Mr. Kumar Kalanand Mani of Peaceful Society, Soter D' Souza of CPR-PS, Pravin Sabnis of the GBA, Arch.Kamlakar D.Sadhale of Nirmal Vishwa, Adv. Shanti Almeida of TBA, and representatives of village level movements across Salcete, Tiswadi and Bardez were present on the dais. Soter and members of the GGRM led the people in singing the song, "Utt Goykara, Utt!"
Mog asundi.
Miguel
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