Whilst Goans ushered in the "Sabado Gordo" Caranaval festivities in the capital
Panaji with the Brazilians lending a different touch to the festivities for the
first time since Liberation of Goa ------for the fourth year in succession the
authorities at the Naval Base INS Kadamba did not permit celebration of the
customary feast of Nossa Senhora de Brotas locally known as “Zorichem Saibinn”
or Our Lady of Springs 2nd February, 2008 at the 34,0075 ha Anjediv Island of
Canacona Taluka Goa which was given for use of the 35,000 crore third largest
Naval Base which was initially mooted in 1985 but suffered bureaucratic
wrangles until 1989 and commenced in 1999 to be commissioned in 2006.
This time round too communications were sent to the Sea Bird authorities well
in advance on the New Years day stating that there will be two masses one in
the morning and the other in the evening to avoid congestion on the Island and
also that those desirous of visiting need to carry a photo identity card to
enter the island in view of security considerations.
Despite all these faithful attempts this time round yet another alibi was put
out when this writer visited the office this afternoon to meet the NOIC
Commodore C G Silar Khan (who has taken over from the earlier incumbent
Commodore K P Ramachandran since April 2007) that due to arrests of two people
on suspicion in central Karnataka alleged having links with terror groups and
had plans of several key installations they had to prohibit the visit of the
faithful to the island.
But it was pointed to the authorities that time and again such alibi does not
appear convincing and hence after initial efforts of the Rajya Sabha MP Shri
Shantaram L Naik with the Sea Bird authorities, this writer could not take
things lying down and faxed a strong letter of protest to the Union Ministry of
Defence Mr A K Antony to order an immediate enquiry into the matter as this has
hurt the sentiments of the peace loving citizens of Goa to whom the Island
stands as the bastion of the Catholics where in the Church of Anjediva bears
the insignia of the Mother Church.
In fact the Portguese advent to Goa began with the Anjediva in 1500 where they
had built this Church and where the last of the Portuguese soldiers left the
Island on 22nd Decmber, 1961 after the Liberation of Goa, but only after
shooting 6 Indian soldiers despite raising the peace flag. A martyrs memorial
stands at the Anjediva atop a fort and there are several cannons 44 of them at
last count.
Today the Commander Khan was not available when this writer visited the INS
Kadamba base, to personally hand over the protest letter to the Naval
authorities which was received by the official N Shyama on behalf of the
Commander Khan. They assured the writer that a detailed explanation would be
made available to the Union Minister for Defence. Meanwhile the undersigned
also brought it to the notice of MP Shantaram L Naik who is presently in Kerala
attending the Konkani Sammelan that the people of Goa would not accept any
thing short of a detailed enquiry into the matter and that Goans be allowed to
partake in the forth coming feast of St Francis de Assisi on 4th October,2008.
Today morning at the Polem end there were people hoping to visit the Anjediva
but owing to the heavy police postings at the check posts and the presence of
the Naval Police all the entry gates from Karwar to Arga via Chendia there
was no turn out.
Meanwhile this writer met the editor Mr T Harikant of the local daily Karavali
Munja and handed over the letter of protest against the NOIC which was
addressed to the Union Defence Minister and Sea Bird authorities at Arga. He
was also informed that the Leader of the Opposition of the Goa Legislative
Assembly Shri Manohar Parrikar too had on 30th January, 2007 sent a letter to
the Union Minister of Defence Mr A K Antony to look into the matter, but the
Defence authorities have not yet taken the matter in right earnest.
Incidentally a large number of people who this writer spoke too were unanimous
that the customary feasts should be continued . They also felt strongly that
the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman should move the Naval authorities in New Delhi
and insist on the agreement on 1987 … In an other instant a representative
Mr Peter Gonsalves spoke to this writer about non payment of compensation by
the Government of Goa to some families who moved out from the Anjediva Island.
This writer contacted Shri Shantaram L Naik MP RS immediately on telephone
and asked him to talk to Mr Gonsalves. Having spoken to him Mr Naik kindly
invited Mr Gonsalves to visit him in Goa on 10th February, 2008 to redress his
grievance.
It is hoped that the three Members of Parliament of Goa will take the matter
seriously and with the involvement of the Government of Goa trash the matter.
It appears that with the emotive support of the people from Canacona and
others a peaceful protest morcha can be taken to the Sea Bird if the
authorities do not find an amicable solution.
It is also learnt that as of now some of the Catholic fraternity of the Sea
Bird officers attend Sunday and other religious services at the St John the
Evangelist Church in Chendia instead of the Church in Anjediva, for reasons
unknown.
>From the INS Kadamba Arga via Chendia
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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