From:
Savio Clovis da Costa
18th March 2007
To
The Editor
Sir,
I have been surprised to the reactions that have appeared in the press about
the Khabrasthan issue in Margao. This seems to be connected with the
election time and everything seems to be done with an intention. I am
clarifying my position in this matter and also putting forward all the
issues concerned for the knowledge and benefit of both the press and the
public.
I request you to kindly publish the following press release in your esteemed
publication at the earliest.
Blood of Goans Agitation - Is it a fight for justice?
Mr. Savio Clovis da Costa and his family, owners of the land adjacent to the
existing Kabrasthan at Pajifond, which is in the eye of a storm since it is
sought to be acquired by the government for extending the Kabrasthan, today
retorted to the malicious propaganda by some elements who are pressurizing
the government and a few ministers to acquire this prime piece of real
estate belonging to them.This strategically located land at Pajifond,
overlooks the Margao city, and some elements claiming to represent the
entire Muslim Community seem to be using this politically lucrative time to
derive undue and unnecessary advantage in the name of religion and
Kabrasthan.
Mr. Costa cautioned that this move to misappropriate his family inheritance
by these elements may well be part of a deep rooted conspiracy to begin a
series of land grabs in the guise of religion and with religious sentiment
in mind.
Mr. Costa stated that this property, situated next to Grace Cardiac Hospital
and near BPS Club and other residential buildings and in the heart of
Margao, is in no way suitable for use as Kabrasthan (Muslim Burial Ground)
due to its steep gradient and rocky nature. It is well known that the Muslim
community found it an arduous task to climb up with their dear departed, the
present Kabrasthan, which is also right on top and a little away from Mr.
Costa's property. It is surprising then, that this property having a high
gradient and also made up of a hard natural stony surface, can suddenly be
suitable for Kabrasthan, that too just when election time has dawned!
Mr. Costa argues that their land, which is sought to be acquired for
malafide purposes, in the guise of the proposed Kabrasthan, is unsuitable
for the purpose. Changes in the topography, which will be necessary for
conversion into a Kabrasthan, could create a Dicarpale-like disaster, he
further warns. Mr. Costa also stated that a proper site inspection of the
existing Kabrasthan and the adjacent property in question will establish
that:
1 The existing Kabrasthan admeasuring 14500 sq. mts. or thereabouts, has
approximately 6000 sq. mts. of vacant space, that is wasted, and the other
areas have been haphazardly utilized.
2 The land sought to be acquired through the government, on the eve of
elections at a ridiculous price, is not suitable for the purpose for which
the acquisition is sought for. This is due to the steep incline and rocky
topography.
3 If the proposed extension is carried out by acquiring the said property,
the Kabrasthan will be in close proximity to densely populated areas of
Pajifond, including heritage residential houses, housing societies and even
a hospital which is just 3 mtrs away.
4 Since the bodies will be buried at an incline, during monsoons polluted
water and decomposed body remains will flow downwards into settlement area
and into the wells nearby due to the steep slope, thereby polluting the same
and also rendering the water, even in pipes, unfit for human consumption.
The same is likely to flow through the gutter right up to Ana Fonte and even
further through the underground water channel right up to Ram Mandir and
Damodar Temple on Abade Faria Road, thereby causing nuisance and pollution
not only to adjoining area, but even as far as Abade Faria Road.
People in the vicinity both Catholics and Hindus who live near Ana Fonte and
on Abade Faria Road near Ram Mandir & Damodar Temple, will be most affected.
5 All the conditions stipulated in the NOC for the Kabrasthan given by the
Town and Country Planning Department cannot be fulfilled.
In comparison, it is also an interesting fact that the Catholic graveyard at
the Margao holds about 1000 graves in about 3000 sq. mts. of land and the
death rate of Catholics is around 50 per month. In contrast though, the
existing Kabrasthan has an area of 14500 sq. mts. and has around 700 graves,
while the death rate of Muslims is merely just about 12 a month. It is
really mysterious as to why another 7300 sq. mts. of land is required to
extend the Kabrasthan! Is this extension then really required at all?
Besides, the demand for another Catholic graveyard in Margao has never been
looked at with such enthusiasm as is being done now. What is the reason
behind this? Is this Kabrasthan going to cater to the whole of Goa or only
the south of Goa? Or is it a provision for all the rest of the settlers who
plan to come into Goa to enhance vote banks! It has been stated by some
members of the community that this extended cemetery is probably catering to
the south of Goa. In the same breath, they claim that this is only a
temporary arrangement. Well, what is the whole idea behind this complicated
and intricate, confusing and disturbing political move?
Mr. Costa also stated that these individuals, probably all with an ulterior
motive strong on their agenda, have already purchased 28,000 sq. mts. of
land for Kabrasthan at St. Jose de Areal, just outside Margao and suggested
that the government direct those who have started this agitation, to put
into use this land outside Margao, that they have acquired with
contributions from the community themselves, as has been proudly claimed by
the agitating individuals, for the exclusive purpose of Kabrasthan,. He
also claimed that it would increase the congestion within the city if the
Kabrasthan is expanded at its existing premises by acquiring more land. If
the land outside Margao is used, the further congestion in Margao would
definitely not be an issue.
The recent agitation in front of the Collectorate in Margao seems to have
been mischievously planned to give it a communal colour and to inflame
passions and start communal tensions in a hereto peaceful area. Mr. Costa
felt that the authorities should investigate the antecedents of the people
behind the agitation and the source of their funding, etc. It is also
surprising and intriguing to note that politicians and activists and
representative of an NGO, who opposed the project at one time, suddenly have
done a volte-face almost overnight. This has come as a real shock and the
suspicious motivation behind the whole agitation now seems to leave an
unbearable stink all over. A signature campaign was organized by residents
of Pajifond against the Kabrasthan a few days ago and this suddenly came a
cropper, with the leader withdrawing the objection filed reportedly due to
intense political pressure from highest levels. Interestingly over 400
signatures have been collected and appear on the sheets which run into over
20 pages.
Mr. Costa concluded that the current agitation is a well planned move to
grab his family land and probably, the Blood of Goans agitation is actually
a fight for injustice and appeasement on the eve of elections!
SAVIO CLOVIS DA COSTA
