-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Read V.M. de Malar's latest Column: | | | | Politics of Destruction | | | | http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=416 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shame on the Goa Government. The last day of the five day Goa Legislative Assembly session from 20th March, 2006 to 24th March, 2006 witnessed a near turmoil when Opposition benches demanded from the treasury benches to know the reason why the traditional Shigmotsav celebrations due to be held at Curchorem were cancelled.
While the Chief Minister who is also the Home Minister feared the recurrence of icidents affecting the law and order situation following the 3rd March, 2006 riots the Opposition were in no mood to take this lying down. Unfortunately the Speaker too did not allow the discussions and this earned the wrath of the Opposition This writer spoke to several persons in and around Panaji and Porvorim late evening and they were one in ecpressing resentment about the Government's cancellation of the festivities. It may be recalled that when the Navy did not permit the faithful to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Brotas at Anjediv on 2nd February, 2004 and 2005 there was a hue and cry raised not only by the Catholic community but also the entire Hindu community from Canacona and Karwar besides other parts of Goa as this had hurt the religious sentiments of the community. Infact on 2nd February, 2003 there was a near riot near the Binaga Gate and the Navy police personnel had a tough time in quelling the crowds who remained at the gate from 0600 hrs well past 1700 hrs to register their protest. It was left to this writer to broach the issue with the higher ups the President of India the Prime Minister and Madam Sonia Gandhi during her recent visit to India and it must be said to the credit of the Rajya Sabha member Mr Shantaram L Naik who raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha by way of special mention and a reply from the Union Defence Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee is awaited. Therefore in the same manner the cowardice displayed by the ruling party in the Goa viz the Congress led coalition is condemnable. An enquiry with the police official at Panaji Headquarters revealed that there is no reliable evidence thus far of any threat perception at Curchorem if the Shigmotsav celebrations were held. Even assuming without admission if such a threat was imminent the Government could have made this public; but merely stating that the law and order situation is not conducive to allow such an event at this juncture smacks of a weak kneed decision. For the records the Zambaulim Gulal which indeed could have been put on a high alert went of well with adequate police protection. Therefore one sees no reason for the cancellation. One street vendor put it to this writer, stating if the Government fears such threats they may well have to close shop in promoting Goa as a 365 day destination. It is therefore left to the law makers to ensure that the festivities are carried out and they should remain present at the venue to build confidence among the people. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __________________________________________________________ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com