*All Media * *Date: *23 March 2009
*Contact: *Geraldine Fernandes 9822146420 Kim Miranda 9422443855 *GGRM holds protest rally in Panjim City parades effigy of principal actors of Goa’s misrule. * Accompanied by a cross section of villagers from various parts of Goa, the Ganv Ghor Rakhon Manch (GGRM) today assembled outside the office of the Directorate of Panchayats to protest the systematic actions of the Government in undermining the rule of law. The office bearers of GGRM were today accompanied by around 400 villagers from various parts of Goa, including Arpora, Candolim ,Calangute , Nuvem, Nerul, Orlim,Varca ,Khandepar , Benaulim, Davondem, Navelim ,Taleigao, Carmona, San Jose de Areal, Curtorim in their protest against the Government’s disrespect for the rule of law and legal process. Speaking on the occasion, the Convenor of GGRM pointed out that the Ordinance amending the Land Acquisition Act and the Bill proposing an amendment to the Panchayati Raj Act were just two of the many deliberate acts of the Government to undermine the rule of law and the spirit of the Constitution. She pointed out to the offensive Sections 16 and 16A that give the Government powers to act outside the law, she also pointed out to the Regional Plan process that has no legal framework but seems to rest entirely on the word of the Chief Minister. “Amkam Goyant Sarke Kaide Zai”, Bair Marat Ordinance Bair Marat, were some of the slogans that rent the air from the people gathered outside the Directorate of Panchayati Raj in Panjim. The protestors also brought with them an effigy representing the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, the Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar, and Panchayati Raj Minister Babu Azgaocar, that they beat with sticks and shoes. The creator of the effigy Gajanan Naik from Nerul pointed out that the effigy had no eyes, no ears and no mouth, because like the politicians of Goa, it did not see, hear or speak about the cries of the people of Goa. GGRM has pointed out that this was its last and final warning. GGRM Convenor pointed out that they had met with the Chief Minister ten days ago and presented him with a third memorandum. It has vowed that this will be its last memorandum and had given the Government an ultimatum of 10 days to respond to it , which incidentally expired today . GGRM has promised to initiate actions not only in the capital city of Panjim but all over the State, drawing on the displeasure of the larger citizenry, who while angry are unable to travel the large distances that a few representatives do. “We have presented the Government with three memoranda” indicated the Secretary of the GGRM Kim Miranda, “we have not once received a response from the Government, but on the contrary, through its actions that undermine the legal process and make exceptions to allow its operation outside of law, the Government has given a clear response to the people. The patience of the people is running out.” s/d s/d Geraldine Fernandes Kim Miranda (Convenor) (Secretary) kindly see the website below for pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/dmellomiranda/2009_03_23?authkey=Gv1sRgCImm5qzL246FkwE # -- ------------------------------------------------------- Read my thoughts at www.dervishnotes.blogspot.com
