Whether it's Carmona or Cansaulim, the attacks on the Gram Sabhas or other villages in Goa is just shocking as it's an attack on demcratic traditions.
Everywhere the underlying connections between the politician-builder-Government Machinery nexus is evident to all. The voices of the villagers cannot be suppressed. Hiring goons and goondas to intimidateour villagers will not silence the people. This has to be condemned by all. The following article is yet another instance of the Goan villagers at the Gram Sabha being attacked. Uproar at Carmona Panchayat meet over Rahejas HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, AUG 31 The Carmona Panchayat witnessed uproar at the monthly meeting on Tuesday after Panch member Orlando Da Silva protested against the refusal by the sarpanch to discuss the panchayat decision to hold inspection of the Raheja property without placing the construction file before the panchayat body. Orlando later lodged a complaint with the Colva police alleging that he was abused and threatened by three persons during the meeting. Based on the complaint, the COlva police has registered a case against Francisco Fernandes, Denzie Ferrao and Joao Francisco D’Costa under section 353, 504 and 506 (2) of the IPC. On the other hand, Sarpanch Estaquio D’Costa lodged a complaint with the Orlim outpost against Orlando for causing disturbances and disruption of the meeting proceedings. In his complaint, Orlando alleged that the trio abused him with filthy language, adding that one of the accused even charged towards him, but was prevented by the police from assaulting him. He contended that the Sarpanch disallowed his request to raise the issue of serving him the inspection notice without placing the Raheja construction file before the body. Sarpanch Estaquio, however, stated that Orlando raised a point which was not listed on the agenda, adding that he was ready to discuss the issue, but only after transacting listed business. “But, the panch raised an uproar and disrupted the meeting. He even abused me personally”, the Sarpanch claimed. The Sarpanch denied that the three youngsters has abused or made charged towards Orlando during the meeting. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Now available in Toronto, a few copies of *Into The Diaspora Wilderness* by Selma Carvalho. Contact Bosco D'Mello [email protected] (416) 803-7264 http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/
