Miguel Braganza wrote: [1] Rajan Parrikar wrote, "I do not advocate the use of violent means in the fight against SEZs. And as I understand it, neither does Matanhy Saldanha, notwithstanding the malicious propaganda unleashed here by the likes of Miguel Braganza.
[2] A leading English newspaper in Goa filed this report, "To see that there was no law and order problem, particularly in view of the alleged threat, the state government has requisitioned three companies of central para-military forces." [3] Another Goan wrote on the Internet, "Matanhy's call for tourists to leave Goa before New Year 2008 shows his immaturity in knowing the ground reality of how much a tourist goes through to holiday in Goa." [4] Wrote Deelip Menezes on the internet groups, "If the GBA could achieve so much with any violence, I fail to see why the GMAS cannot do the same." Truth [Satya] and non-violence [ahimsa] are the two "weapons" given to the world by Mahatma Gandhi. Dear Miguel, re [1] Once again, I totally agree with Rajan Parrikar's expressed disgust wrt what is happening to Goa today. However, I have my own reservations as to why he would accuse you of unleashing 'malicious propaganda' against Matanhy. I hope we have taken stock of what a mess develops when chaos is allowed to develop albeit for political purposes. We Goans MUST NOT allow anarchists to destroy our peaceful existence. We do not need another Benazir tragedy. I am personally convinced that at least Manohar Parrikar, Rajan Parrikar, Matanhy Saldanha and Aires Rodrigues were acting in a manner which could easily have led to anarchy in Goa. This behaviour was quite coincidental (in time) to the election results in Goa. And that is troubling. It demonstrates - to me at least - that some individuals are willing to go to any lengths to regains political power. I keep reminding myself that it was M. Parrikar who was in bed with Monserrate and Churchill and it was M. Parrikar who brought IFFI to Goa. [2] What exactly does the State do when individuals threaten to create anarchy and violate the laws of the land? I noted M. Parrikar's threat as to what would happen IF Matanhy was arrested. What is the deal? Does Matanhy have immunity from arrest IF he breaks the law? [3] I doubt that Matanhy's statement demonstrates immaturity. I believe that it was a deliberate attempt to destabilise a duly elected Government. [4] Absolutely! Addendum: IF any individual believes that the State is acting inappropriately - are there NO judicial mechanisms (like PIL and Judicial Review) available? In closing, it is my hope that we Goans will learn at least from the Benazir tragedy and work constructively towards settling our differences peacefully. Violence and Confrontation is NEVER the answer. I also hope that Mr. Digambar Kamat also does the needful re-think and does so immediately. jc
