According to just received information from Benaulim suggests that Public-Police confrontation has began. Todays meeting at Panchayat Hall was called by the Benaulim Villagers Action Comittee (BVAC) to protest against the calling off of the Gram Sabha two days ago.
Two bus load of police personnel from Goa Armed Police are stationed in Benaulim to intimidate the agitating Benaulim villagers since 8 am this morning to prevent people from organising a protest meeting public meeting. Till 10.30am today neither Secretary nor Sarpanch had turned up at the Panchayat. This signals massive scandal in the allocation of licences to the builders violating existing laws and conventions of democracy to favour builders lobby. It is indeed truly amazing to note that the Goa Goverment, and most of its institutions are speedily transforming themselves into agents of real estate lobby. Panchayat Minister Babu Azgaonkar few days ago had single out Benualim for criticism in the Goa Legislative Asembly for blocking mega projects promoting commercial housing promting sharp response from BVAC. Benaulim struggle in defence of village land and identity is not showing any signs of subsiding and with deployment of force at the instance of bulders lobby only going to intensify it further. Sebastian Rodrigues _________________________________________________________________ Searching for the best deals on travel? Visit MSN Travel. http://msn.coxandkings.co.in/cnk/cnk.do
