-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=01097
Saleli women end hunger strike on Jamir's assurance NT Staff Reporter Panaji Jan 8: The Governor, Mr S C Jamir today visited Saleli, met the villagers who were on hunger strike and urged them to resume normal life with the assurance that he would take up their matter with the state government and ensure that the normalcy is restored. Following the intervention of the Governor, the women of the village who were on hunger strike for five days called off their agitation. The local leader of Shetkari Kamgar Sanghathana, Mr Putu Gaonkar offered a glass of lemon juice to an elderly lady, announcing the end of the hunger strike. Though the hunger strike has been withdrawn, the villagers resolved to continue their 'sit-in' protests till the arrested villagers are released. The police have arrested 104 villagers in connection with the rioting case on December 28, while six others have been arrested in connection with the killing of Prithviraj Rane. Earlier in the day, Mr Jamir interacted with the agitating villagers, who were on a hunger strike demanding immediate release of their men folk, who are presently in police custody. The villagers were agitating over the land ownership rights and demanding closure of the crushers. "Let this case of rioting be the first and last in Goa," Mr Jamir appealed to the villagers. "Let no one take law and order into their own hands. The law will take its own course, and in the meantime, please go back to your homes since you are risking your health by fasting and placing yourselves at the mercy of the elements of nature by sleeping here in the open grounds," Mr Jamir urged the striking villagers. Mr Jamir also appealed to the people not to allow any elements to take advantage of their problems to further their petty vested interests. The villagers earlier submitted a memorandum to the Governor, demanding immediate release of the 'innocent' villagers whom they say are being falsely implicated, closure of all illegal stone crushers and granite mining in reserved forest area; grant cultivated land to the farmers; and abolition of proprietorship of village. Asked by mediapersons if he has been directed by the Centre to visit the village this morning, Mr Jamir rubbished it saying that he had come to the village on his own volition as a concerned Governor of the people who feels for the people. "Law and order is a state subject," Mr Jamir pointed out to the journalists and added "Why should the Centre involve itself in a state matter?" Mr Jamir later called on the bereaved family and expressed his condolences to the family members. He urged the family to let bygones be bygones and to let normalcy be restored without any delay. A government release said that later in the day, the Governor discussed the issue with senior ministers including, the Education Minister, Mr Luizinho Faleiro. The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane also called on the Governor later in the evening. The Governor asked the Chief Minister to consider the problem as a human problem and to treat the case compassionately. Mr Jamir also pointed out that various law and order problems such as Naxalism are caused by unfair land holdings and suggested that to ensure a future free from such turmoil the Goa legislative assembly deliberate on the issue of land ownership. The Governor also echoed the concerns of the villagers regarding pollution and asked the government to properly ensure pollution control measures so that the populace is not deprived of a clean and healthy environment. Meanwhile, the villagers have convened a meet on Monday to chalk out the future strategy. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
