In a surprising developement despite change of guard at the Centre, The Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area, India, Commander Pradeep Agnihotri vide letter No:FOK/ADM/100/Anjediv dated 13th January, 2015 received by this writer on 21st January, 2015 in reply to the letter dated 1st January, 2015 stated...."quote.... Anjadiv Island is a notified "prohibited place" in addition , the prevailing security situation at this Base does not allow for visitors to be permitted during this period" .....unquote, which means that the Feast of Our Lady of Springs "Nossa Senhora de Brotas " would NOT be celebrated on the Island for the 11th year in succession.
Ironically immediately on the ex CM of Goa Mr Manohar Parrikar being catapultated relunctantly to the Centre as Union Defence Minister " Raksha Mantri " Govt of India Ministry of Defence, in November, 2014 , this writer had pleaded with him to ensure the celebration of this Feast now that he is in the saddle. It may be recalled that Mr Parrikar had in April 2002 donated to this writer a sum of Rs,25,000 for the upkeep of the Church at Anjediv which was in a paritally dilapidated state. Moreover at the request of this writer he had painstakingly pleaded in with the then "Raksha Mantri" Mr George Fernandes to ensure the celebration of two customary feasts on 2nd February and 4th October of St Francis de Assisi in terms of the order of the Govt of Goa in December, 1987 handing over the Island for the prestigious "Sea Bird Project" . The Island till date has not been ceded either to the Govt of India or the State of Karnataka and continues to be a part of South Goa District, Canacona taluka another devotee from Karwar Mr Peter Gonsalves who spoke to this writer late evening yesterday.. In fact later the "Raksha Mantri" Mr Parrikar had assured the section of the press end November, 2014 to resolve the issue within six months. One would have expected Mr Parrikar to accord this issue " 'TOP MOST PRIORITY" which would have been a major fulfillment of a long pending promise moreso as he believes that the problem was created by the erstwhile Indian National Congress at the Centre. It is however not too late in the day for the Raksha Mantri to overturn the Naval authorities views and to ensure that by 2nd February, 2015 the faithful from Goa and Karwar have access to the Island with due security conisderation -(photo identity by the faithful) to partake in two masses planned viz forenoon and afternoon (to avoid overcrowding) and the Naval authorities at Sea Bird could provide for the logistic arrangements viz free transport, safe drinking water ,washrooms and even the events photographs on request by the faithful and at costs ) which would earn them the goodwill of the civilians. Meanwhile when this writer had a teletalk (08382-230532) this morning with Fr A. Lopez Parish Priest of St Annes Church at Binaga Karwar (who at the request ot the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman overlooks the arrangement for the Feast at Anjediv) to test the waters for the safe conduct of the Feast; he reported that a section of the print media viz Karavalli munj in around 16th January, 2015 had reported strong objections to hold the Feast on the Island. This is obvious because of ignorance of those opposing who despite evidence to the contrary believe that the Island belongs to State of Karnataka even . This writer had with documentary evidence refuted this belief and also gave an interview to the press in Karwar to the same daily four years ago. Yet another "faux pas" committed by the then Dy Commissioner of Uttar Kanara Mr Ritesh Kumar Singh (present incumbent is Mr Ujvan Kumar Ghosh ) was to enter into an agreement with the seabir 08382-226303 authorities to declare the island as prohibited for civilians on 23rd October,2004 This order has been in dispute since then as the island is still a part of Goa and the DC Uttar Kanara had acted beyond his jurisdiction. It is also believed that activists of the banned outfit "Ram Sena" of the expelled Bajrang Dal activist and its leader Mr Pramod Mutalik is behind the opposition to score political browny points. However this should not deter the people of Goa access to the Island which belongs to them though access is via Arga or Binaga of Uttar Kanara District Karnataka. The earlier access is via Galgibag in Goa via sea route and this could be put into reuse once Navy is brought in line and the order of the DC revoked. GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 HRS) [email protected] GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 HRS) [email protected]
