Goa Villagers Stage Massive Protest Despite Government's Relocation Assurance
In a significant display of public dissent, more than 100 villagers from Chimbel participated in a Maha Andolan at Old Goa on Friday. This protest unfolded despite the government's declaration on Wednesday that the controversial Unity Mall and Prashaasan Stambh projects would be shifted to a different location, away from Chimbel. The villagers, who have been engaged in a chain hunger strike, made it clear that their agitation will persist until the government issues a formal notification confirming the relocation of these projects.
Government's Response and Villagers' Unwavering Stand
With the protesters firmly stating their position a day earlier, the tourism department released a statement on Thursday. It announced the decision to move the two projects away from Chimbel and indicated that the Wetland Authority would issue a notification to formalize this shift. However, this assurance failed to satisfy the Chimbel villagers, leading them to proceed with the Maha Andolan as originally planned. The protest location was moved to Old Goa after the North Goa collector issued an order prohibiting assemblies of five or more people in Panaji, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the issue.
Opposition Leaders Rally Behind the Protesters
Several opposition leaders voiced their support for the Maha Andolan, criticizing the government's handling of the situation. Opposition leader Yuri Alemao condemned the government for forcing people to take to the streets for over a month. Amit Patkar, President of the Congress state unit, remarked, “The government used every machinery possible to silence villagers, but the people of Chimbel stood united.” This sentiment was echoed by Govind Shirodkar, Chairman of the Chimbel Wetland Committee, who emphasized that it was the chief minister's responsibility to inform them about the project relocation. He stated, “The government did not inform us. It does not know how to communicate with its people.”
Lack of Clarity Fuels Continued Agitation
Adding to the villagers' concerns, RG functionary Ajay Kolekar pointed out the absence of clarity regarding the status of the two projects. He argued that people cannot be blamed for continuing their protest since the government has not provided any formal communication. Kolekar asserted, “We will continue the protest till we see the notification that states the two projects will not come up in Chimbel.” This underscores the deep-seated mistrust and the demand for transparent governance, which has become a central theme in this ongoing conflict.
The situation in Goa reflects broader issues of community rights and government accountability, with the Chimbel villagers determined to secure a concrete resolution through sustained peaceful protest.
